1-Getting started: Getting started with Date Walnut Ice Cream involves a few easy steps that lead to a homemade delight ready in about 11 hours total. Begin by combining the milk and dates in a saucepan, bringing them to a simmer over medium heat for a quick cook time of around 30 minutes. Once simmering, turn off the heat and let the dates soak for 15 minutes to soften and infuse their flavor.

2-Next: puree the mixture in a food processor or blender until it’s mostly smooth, then return it to the saucepan. Whisk in the heavy cream, egg yolks, salt, and vanilla extract, and gently bring everything back to a simmer without letting it boil, which takes another 30 minutes of cooking. Taste the mixture and add brown sugar if you want more sweetness, stirring until it dissolves fully.

3-Transfer: the blend to a container, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator until cold. Once chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker following the manufacturer’s instructions, adding the bourbon and chopped walnuts in the last minute for extra texture and flavor. Finally, freeze the ice cream in a lidded container for 8 to 10 hours until firm, resulting in a smooth treat that’s best enjoyed within two weeks.