VANILLA OR COFFEE ICE CREAM

Steps:

• If making vanilla ice cream, slice vanilla beans in half lengthwise and scrape down the sides. If making coffee ice cream, grind beans coarsely in a coffee grinder or food processor.
• In a small pot, combine vanilla bean seeds and pods or coffee grounds, heavy cream, milk, sugar and salt. Simmer until sugar completely dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk yolks. Whisking constantly, slowly whisk about a third of the hot cream into the yolks, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the pot with the cream.
• Return pot to medium-low heat and gently cook until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170 degrees on an instant-read thermometer). Remove from heat and allow custard to steep for 30 minutes.
• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Cool mixture to room temperature. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Churn in an ice cream machine according to manufacturer's instructions. Serve directly from the machine for soft serve, or store in freezer until needed.