This ice cream is rich, thick, and chewy. It’s great all by itself, or you can add in 1/2 cup of oatmeal crunch or try adding 1 cup of homemade granola for a truly hippie experience! Oatmeal crunch is a fun candy to sprinkle in ice cream, on oatmeal, or on granola.
Heat sugar in a skillet over medium heat until melted, shaking pan occasionally. Reduce heat to low; cook until golden, stirring as necessary. Stir in oatmeal. Pour onto a baking sheet that’s been lined with a silpat or has been buttered. Allow brittle to cool in the refrigerator. Crush hardened oat crunch in a food processor or place candy in a plastic bag and crush with a mallet. Excess crunch should be stored in the ‘fridge as it will absorb moisture from the air and become a large lump if left out. Crunch can be used to sprinkle over store-bought ice cream or in granola to make it sweeter.
Make ice cream
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the sugar and the egg yolks until thickened and pale yellow. Set aside.
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk to a boil. Add the oatmeal, salt, and cinnamon. Reduce the heat, and return the milk to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the oatmeal is thick and creamy. Slowly beat the hot oatmeal into the eggs and sugar mixture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly and stir in the cream. Cover and refrigerate until cold or overnight.
Stir the chilled custard, as the oats will have sunk to the bottom. Freeze in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions.
When finished, the ice cream will be soft, like the consistency of soft-serve. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer safe- container and freeze at least 2 hours.
Add oatmeal crunch or granola to the ice cream after you take it out of the machine so it doesn't damage the sides of the machine.
Notes
Makes about 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal crunchMakes about 1 quart ice creamCook’s Note: Seriously, organic eggs just taste soooo much better! They are totally worth the extra cost. And, you’re doing your body and the environment a favor.