Horchata ice cream is rich and custardy. If you love homemade horchata (or horchata in general!), this is the perfect dessert! I’ve made many homemade ice cream recipes over the years, and this horchata ice cream recipe is one of my all time favorites.
There are a few negatives to being self-employed that never previously occurred to me before embarking on this new venture. I’m kind of an all or nothing person. And now that I’ve thrown myself into the wild world of freelance work, I can’t seem to stop.
I’ve never had the attention span to work for more than a few hours at a time so I find myself working in the evenings and on and off during the weekend. I don’t really mind. It’s a pace that seems to work for me.
However, there’s one part of the equation that is very strange. I’ve been calling it “think dreaming.”
I’ve always been a vivid dreamer and I’m endlessly entertained by the nonsensical stories my brain creates. Recently, though, it seems as though half of my dreams don’t involve the usual zombie adventures or random scenarios.
Instead, I think all night about various elements of work. But I’m not awake or aware that I’m doing it. I’ve suffered from insomnia for years now and nothing irritates me more than lying in bed with my thoughts zooming around when all I want to do is sleep.
I get out of bed when that happens. With think dreaming, I’ll wake up at around 2 or 3 in the morning and realize I’ve been thinking about work for hours. And then I get irritated. A few weeks ago I actually got up for the day at 3:30am because I couldn’t take it anymore.
Is there anyone reading this who’d be willing to chime in and tell me I’m not crazy because they know what I’m talking about? I can’t possibly be alone here.
Now for the horchata ice cream. I feel as though summer will be gone in the blink of an eye which means I’m running out of both sunlight (booo) and chances to make ice cream.
This won’t be the last ice cream recipe you see crammed in over the next couple of weeks. But this might be the best. It’s my new favorite ice cream (and that’s saying a lot). I use a good amount of Rumchata to add booze and complementary flavors.
The Rumchata also lowers the freezing point just enough so that this ice cream is soft and custard-like straight out of the freezer. Do take note, though- it melts faster than my other recipes.
What Is Half-And-Half?
This recipe calls for half-and-half. What is half-and-half, and how do you make it if you already have cream and milk in the fridge? Read my tutorial on how to make half-and-half so you can save time and money!
Looking for more ice cream recipes?
Be sure to check out my Baileys Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream, and Vanilla Milk Gelato!
The Ultimate Horchata Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half (or 50% whole milk + 50% heavy cream)
- 1/2 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1/2 cup Rumchata liqueur
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, warm up the half-and-half over medium heat, stirring, until it's warm but not hot. Pour it into a blender with the white rice and briefly blend the mixture on high speed to break up some of the grains and release their flavor. Allow the mixture to steep for at least one hour.
- Strain the liquid through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth and discard the rice. Stir in the Rumchata and return to the saucepan on medium heat. Add the vanilla extract.
- Vigorously whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. When the half-and-half just reaches a simmer, slowly pour it into the egg yolks while whisking. Then return the entire mixture back to the saucepan and turn the heat to low. Add the cinnamon sticks.
- Stir constantly for several minutes until it begins to thicken. When it coats the back of a spoon or spatula so that you can draw a line with your finger, remove from the heat.
- Allow the base to cool slightly then pour into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pushing the plastic directly against liquid to prevent a skin from forming. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight, until very cold. Remove the cinnamon sticks and discard.
- Prepare in an ice cream machine according to manufacturer instructions. Before serving, top with fresh grated cinnamon.
Video
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
movita beaucoup says
You’ve basically just described my entire life.
Also, this ice cream is freakin’ my freak.
Jennifer Farley says
Glad I’m not alone!
Tieghan says
Well I can sleep, but I dream about work related stuff. My brain never shuts of completely and is always thinking about food and computer task, but I still would not change it for the world, I love what I do!
I also love this fun ice cream! I have never seen an ice cream anything like this, so it’s pretty exciting!
Jennifer Farley says
Thanks, Tiegan!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Yes please, let’s keep summer going as long as we can! :)
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
I totally get what you are going through — freelance blogging or recipe developing job can be very hectic. That’s what self-employment does to us.
On the other hand, love this ice cream :)
Jennifer Farley says
It’s hectic and crazy but I wouldn’t change it for the world!
Rosa says
A wonderful ice cream and gorgeous clicks!
Cheers,
Rosa
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
This looks insanely delicious!! I need an ice cream machine already ;)
Carolyn says
I struggle with sleep too. And the problem with working for yourself is that you can always be working. It’s tough to find the balance. You sometimes need to tell your own brain to shut up! :)
Jennifer Farley says
I tell my brain that all the time. If only it would listen! :)
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
You are NOT alone. I have terrible insomnia as well, and more often than not get up hours before I would really like to just because I’m so frustrated lying there. As a teacher, there is always something that needs to be done, could have been done better, etc. to worry about, and my mind races when I can’t sleep. So sorry you’re going through the same thing — it’s the worst. :(
But on a happy note, this ice cream looks absolutely insane. Want!
Jennifer Farley says
Ice cream makes it all worth it in the end.
Tracey says
I have crazy dreams too though they’re not always about work. I can usually get back to sleep though luckily.
I’ve never had horchata – can you believe that? I really need to get with the program, this ice cream looks amazing!
Jennifer Farley says
Once you try it you’ll be hooked!
Kathryn says
I know exactly what you mean (I had it last night!). It’s so exhausting isn’t it? I feel completely drained today and desperately in need of boozy ice cream as a pick me up!
Jennifer Farley says
Sometimes it leaves me exhausted and other times I’m surprised that I actually feel rested. It doesn’t help that I’m the lightest sleeper in the world so everything wakes me up. I remember in college I could sleep through everything!
David says
Boy! I could write you a text book on what I’ve learned about work-obsessed sleep disorder. It is very common among creatvie people, but it can also lead to severe anxiety. So be careful. Suffice it to say, you are are not crazy, and these comments all bear that out. It’s such a common phenomenon. BALANCE and STRUCTURE are the keys. Find some time during the week to turn it all off. Running really works for me. (And the best part is that I can eat more!) Yoga is also a good choice. Plan a vacation for you and your hubby that’s completely away from cooking and writing. Find interests that aren’t related to food. Mine is animals and animal charities. Maybe your kitty could inspire something similar for you.
I know it’s one of those things that are easier said than done, and when you work from home, it’s even more complicated. But it’s essential. The ironic part? Creating some boundries between you and work — even when it’s work that you love — will help bring a perspective that allows you to better prioritize your work. You’ll find yourself being more productive and less stressed.
Jennifer Farley says
These are fantastic tips! I really appreciate them. Work does cause me anxiety but overall I get so much joy out of it. I’m still working out my new life and schedule but everything you suggest makes perfect sense.
Happy Valley Chow says
That ice cream looks incredible, great recipe!
Susan says
I deal with insomnia, too, but mine is a post-menopause thing. My solution is to get up and do something mindless, like computer games, until I can’t stay awake any longer. Some of mine is also due to being unable to shut my brain off. I’ve never learned how to do that. It seems to me that David’s suggestions are excellent and if you try them I hope they work.
I love horchata, and am sure I would love this ice-cream. If I ate ice-cream… That’s a rare treat for me, and I would never invest in an ice-cream maker. However, this ice-cream would be strong motivation to do so… :-)
Jennifer Farley says
A lot of times I’ll get up and play on Pinterest. It’s mindless enough to do when I’m tired. But I’d definitely rather be sleeping! I wouldn’t invest in an ice cream maker unless it was something you really loved. Ice cream is my favorite dessert and I really enjoy the art of making it. It’s so simple but it opens the door for tons of creativity. Maybe I should try making it at 4am when I can’t sleep.
Sarah says
I am like that as well. I work when I am inspired. Being that I have three boys, often I do most of my writing from 8 pm to 11 pm and on weekends. Somedays it just flows out of me – and then I write up the shells of say 5 to 10 blog posts (for my 2 blogs). This gets me inspired and then I have a direction to work on.
I love being self-employed, I can’t imagine going back to working real hours :-D
Jennifer Farley says
I hope I never have to work for someone else again. I love the flexibility. We are very lucky! :)
Sarah says
No kidding! I worked really hard to get here and I find that at 40, I just can’t imagine wanting to *gasp* take orders ;-) Today I worked for a few hours, then we went blackberry picking/walking. Then a few hours in the backyard gardening with the boys – and ate a bucket of just picked strawberries. And now, hours later…I am writing (and goofing off) before bed. I’ll take that over a commute!!
Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes says
1. You’re totes not crazy – you basically just described me on an average night between 2:13 a.m. and 4:47 a.m.
2. This Horchata Ice Cream has fallen off the chain and cannot get back on it.
3. Your photography is seriously, seriously arresting, Jen! SO beautiful!!!
Jennifer Farley says
I am glad to hear I’m not alone! And thank you so much for the kind words :)