15
July

Mango Ice Cream, a Filipino ice cream treat

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I remember riding with my late Dad, in his jeep, to survey the mango trees in our farm, in a small rural, agricultural town in the Philippines. As a child, every tree loomed far bigger than me. I always had to look up to trees for a good view. In the process, the blue skies, with streams of sunshine would peek through the green foliage on the trees. It felt like an old friend smiling warmly at me, on a torridly hot summer day. But in reality, they were mangoes ripening on trees, ready to be picked.

 My dad would point to a green mango, perched from its stem, hanging precariously from a longer branch. “You let that ripen first before you harvest it,” Dad advised. I was puzzled and fascinated. Like any kid would, I sensed the process of watching green mangoes ripen into golden yellow orbs right before our eyes was a science to my parents. I couldn’t wait till they ripened. I loved the sweet tropical aroma of a golden ripe mango once sliced. I loved to dive my spoon into the soft flesh, scoop out the velvety slice and let it slide sweetly into my mouth. And I still do.

“Mangoes always make Filipinos homesick because nothing can take the place of Philippine mangoes.” – as said by Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan, from their cookbook “Memories of Philippine Kitchens”

Nothing is  more true than this. Mangoes are the national fruit of the Philippines. Filipino food is best eaten with mangoes. We grew up with mangoes. Our backyard and our farm in the Philippines was abundant with this golden yellow, heart shaped fruit. I can’t remember a time when my mornings did not start with mangoes.


When I visited Manila early this year and stayed with my cousins, I was asked what I wanted for breakfast: “MANGOES!” I replied, without batting an eyelash.

I insisted I did not need anything elaborate or fancy for breakfast, lunch or dinner. All I wanted was my favorite fruit. And with that, orders were dispatched to procure the best and sweetest mangoes for me. In fact, my cousin, Dang made sure the mangoes were in a special fruit basket in my bedroom ~ she wanted to make sure I could easily reach for one in case I woke up in the middle of the night and desired one. Yes, fighting jet lag was easier to deal with when a mango was within reach.

Back here in the USA, right now it is the middle of summer. Thankfully, I am still able to find the Ataulfo variety of mangoes in the Asian markets. These variety are the closest to the Philippines’ “champagne” mangoes I languish in each time I go back to Manila to visit.

And because I wanted to prolong the sweet satisfaction of having my favorite fruit, I made some Mango Ice cream. The best recipe I found was from the same cookbook where I found the Jackfruit “Langka” ice cream I made a few weeks ago. All that was needed was to make the sweet custard first, stove top. It was a breeze. I made sure to have fully ripened sweet mangoes, peeled and pureed. 

In place of a regular ice cream maker, I used my new hand held food processor and “churned” the cream for a few minutes. The result was magical. In a few minutes, I knew I had mango ice cream in my hands. I chilled it overnight and the next day, we enjoyed the frozen mango treat with some freshly baked pie. It was mango-magnificent! And it was a marvelous way to end our Sunday Supper and start the week…with supremely sweet scoops of homemade mango ice cream !

MANGO ICE CREAM

A recipe from the 1st edition, “Memories of Philippine Kitchens” by Amy Besa & Romy Dorotan

Servings : Makes about 1 quart

2 medium-sized ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted (use Ataulfo mangoes for this recipe)

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2/3 cup granulated sugar

4 egg yolks

½ teaspoon lemon extract

 

  • Place 1 mango in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Finely chop the second remaining mango. Transfer the puree and the diced mango to separate bowls. There should be about 1/3 cup of each.
  • In a medium saucepan, over medium low heat, combine the cream, milk and 1/3 cup of the sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Whisk the remaining 1/3 cup sugar with the egg yolks in a bowl till they are light and lemon-colored.
  • Slowly, while still whisking, pour about a quarter of the hot cream mixture into the eggs to temper. Do this very carefully, making sure the eggs remain the same consistency. You do not want the eggs to cook yet at this point. Continue to whisk, slowly pour in the remaining cream mixture.
  • Transfer the custard back to the saucepan and place over low heat. Cook this, while stirring constantly, over very low heat until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. This should take about 10 minutes, or slightly less. Amy Besa advised “Do not let it boil or the custard will curdle.”
  • Strain the custard and let it cool. Occasionally stir this. Cover the custard and refrigerate until cold, for at least 3 hours or more.
  • Afterwards, whisk the mango puree into the chilled custard. *If you have an ice cream maker, freeze in an electric ice cream maker following the manufacturers’ instructions.
  • In my case, I used a hand held food processor and whisked the mango puree into the chilled custard for approximately ten minutes. Then fold in the chopped mangoes. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm.
  • RECIPE NOTES: Amy Besa, cookbook author sent me a quick tip for this Mango Ice Cream. She suggested to use some fresh lemon zest by grating a teaspoon of lemon rind if desired. She advised the natural ingredients are better than processed foods. Thanks, Amy! (Amy Besa & Romy Dorotan’s original recipe in the cookbook does not contain any lemon flavoring. The addition of lemon flavor was my son’s preference. Feel free to omit lemon if you prefer.)

Best served with a freshly made homemade pie, like the Mango Cheesecake I made !

 

 

 

 

 

Tags Posted under Appetizers and Sides, Cooking, Desserts and Sweets, Dinner, Events Holidays, Featured, Fruit, Lunch, Travel by

70 Responses


  • What a luscious treat this would be on a summery afternoon! LOVE the color E! So vibrant!

    by: Baker Street, Jul 15th at 1:11 am

  • Gorgeous and I love mangoes! Thank you for participating in this week’s #SundaySupper!

    by: Jen @JuanitasCocina, Jul 15th at 8:07 am

  • Thanks, An! We just love our mangoes ice cream! Glad you stopped by!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 10:38 am

  • Thanks, Jen! Nice of you to stop by. Wish I could bring you some mango ice cream for #SundaySupper!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 10:38 am

  • Love love love mangoes and need a bite right now :)

    by: Soni, Jul 15th at 10:43 am

  • Absolutely love this! I have some mangoes to use up so I will definitely be making this today!

    by: Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious, Jul 15th at 11:07 am

  • This is my first visit to your site, and I love it! It’s beautiful! I so enjoyed reading the narrative about your Dad and your reaction to seeing the tall mango trees. Of course, I have your recipe to try! Excellent job.

    Alaiyo

    by: Alaiyo, Jul 15th at 11:21 am

  • Thanks, Soni ! Grab a spoon and take a seat, I’ll scoop some mango ice cream for you. Glad you came by!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 11:26 am

  • Hi Chung-Ah, glad you’ll be making some mango ice cream today ! Can I come over, too? Thanks for stopping by!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 11:27 am

  • Thanks, Alaiyo! You are so kind to say such nice comments. Glad you liked the post and the recipe. Come back for more soon!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 11:27 am

  • We love, LOVE mangos! And especially in a sorbet/ice cream – delicious!

    by: Laura @ Family Spice, Jul 15th at 12:04 pm

  • My stepson loves fruity ice cream and mango is his favorite fruit. I know what I’ll be making him for his birthday this year.

    by: diabeticFoodie, Jul 15th at 12:14 pm

  • Thanks, Laura ! I share in your mango-love! Glad you stopped by for Sunday Supper!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 12:41 pm

  • Thanks, Diabetic Foodie ! You’ll love this fruity ice cream ~ it’s so good! Glad you stopped by !

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 12:42 pm

  • I making mango salsa with dinner and I put another one on my shopping list for this!

    by: Cindys Recipes, Jul 15th at 12:44 pm

  • My favourite part of Philippine summers is the mangoes. The scent is so heavenly and the taste divine. Your ice cream looks so rich and delicious, Elizabeth. I would be so happy to have that even if it is not even hot here in London.

    by: Adora's Box, Jul 15th at 1:53 pm

  • Thanks, Cindy! I love the thought of your mango salsa! You just inspired me. Nice of you to stop by!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 1:54 pm

  • Thanks, Adora ! Our love for mangoes is universal, no matter what season! Nice of you to stop by!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 1:55 pm

  • Yummy! I love mango’s. Thanks for stopping by!

    by: Debra Elliott, Jul 15th at 2:23 pm

  • Thanks, Debra! Glad to share Sunday Supper with you :-)

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 3:04 pm

  • I didn’t know mangoes were the National fruit of the Philippines – cool. They’re one of my faves. This sounds great!

    by: Heather @girlichef, Jul 15th at 3:33 pm

  • Beautiful ice cream. Mangoes are such a nice summer fruit.

    by: Renee, Jul 15th at 3:59 pm

  • Hi Heather! Yes, Mangoes are definitely ours! Thanks for the kind comments. Happy Sun.!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 4:19 pm

  • Thanks, Renee! So kind of you to stop by. Enjoyed your post & blog, too! Happy Sun.!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 4:20 pm

  • I would love to know more about mangoes! I never know the diff between the varieties and see so many in the great markets where I live. The ice cream you made looks amazing. Perfect for celebrating National Ice cream month!

    by: Karen Hartzell, Jul 15th at 4:45 pm

  • How great that you shared a heritage recipe. Mango ice cream is by far my favorite way of eating the fruit! Gorgeous!

    by: Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes, Jul 15th at 5:00 pm

  • There is really nothing like Philippine mangoes!

    by: joey, Jul 15th at 8:01 pm

  • Thanks, Karen! Stay tuned, then. Mangoes are the national fruit of the Philippines & my fave. I never tire of posting about it. Glad you came by :-)

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 9:09 pm

  • Thanks, Paula. So kind of you to stop by and shower me with some blog-love!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 9:09 pm

  • Hi Joey! Yes, you’re right, nothing at all like our very own Philippine mangoes ~ that’s why it’s our national fruit! Glad you stopped by!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 15th at 9:10 pm

  • Looks lovely! I love a good mango!

    Jamie @ http://www.mamamommymom.com

    by: Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom), Jul 15th at 10:27 pm

  • This sounds great! I have yet to pull out my ice cream machine this summer and this is a good reason to do so. Thanks for sharing!

    by: Amy Kim, Jul 15th at 10:45 pm

  • HI BettyAnn,
    Aside form having superb recipes, you write beautifully, catching the interest of your readers and admirers with the most exotic adjectives you use. It makes our mouths water to taste it.
    Love you and keep up the good work,
    Dang

    by: milagros arnaldo, Jul 16th at 12:26 am

  • Thanks, Amy! Yes, I urge you to take out the ice cream machine and try this. If not, I used my hand held food processor. This was the delish result!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 16th at 1:33 am

  • Thanks, Dang! So kind of you to take the time to come and visit my blog & leave a sweet comment. I thought of you & the mangoes you showered me with, when I wrote this. Love to the family :-) I miss you all !

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 16th at 1:34 am

  • Thanks, Jamie! Glad to find a mango fan just like me.

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 16th at 2:18 am

  • Hi Elizabeth,
    What a wonderful pics of mango ice cream you have here.
    Perhaps you’re interested to submit your food photos on a food photography site that has tagline “Food Photography that will make you hungry” :)
    http://www.foodporn.net
    It’s free to submit, free to join, and a lot of members can enjoy your creation!

    by: foodporn.net, Jul 16th at 4:56 am

  • This is truly gorgeous. I bet it tastes out of this world.

    by: Kim Bee, Jul 16th at 6:22 pm

  • Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping by. Yes, this was mango ice cream was out of this world, definitely! Come visit again soon !

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 16th at 6:48 pm

  • Mmm! I have never had mango ice cream, but I love mango Italian ice. I have so many new ice creams to try from this #SundaySupper

    by: Lane @ Supper for a Steal, Jul 17th at 2:36 pm

  • Hi Lane! Thanks for the blog-visit. You’ll love this mango ice cream if you ever give it a try. The sweet mango flavors are amazing!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 19th at 1:14 am

  • Wow, the intense color must mean intense flavor!! SO fantastic…I’d love a scoop right now :)

    by: Liz, Jul 19th at 8:38 am

  • While it’s easy enough to duck into the local supermarket and pick up a tub of mango ice cream, I’d much rather have this version! Thank you so much for sharing the ‘trick’ of using a hand blender for the mixture – I left my ice cream maker in storage back in the US. Now I have no excuse! 8-)

    by: Tracey@Tangled Noodle, Jul 19th at 9:55 am

  • Hi Liz, I’d love to share a scoop of this Mango Ice Cream with you ~ Filipino ice cream is terrific ! Thanks for the kind blog-visit!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 19th at 12:44 pm

  • Hi Tracey! Glad you came to blog-visit. Yes, my own ice cream maker has “passed away” in a natural old-age “passing”. And since everything is just so expensive, I decided to use what I had on hand. I got a terrific brand new gift from Calphalon at the “Eat Write Retreat” & tried it out. Turns out the hand blender can “churn” very well. Wish you were here, I’d give you a quart in a jiffy!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Jul 19th at 12:49 pm

  • I wish I have your literary talent.
    I am such a big fan.
    I wish you live closer to me so we can share the food we make to each other. Just hand it across the “Bakod”. ;)

    by: gghie, Aug 9th at 10:35 am

  • Hi Ghie! You are so sweet! Thanks for the kind comments. I’m always inspired by friends like you who stop by and take the time to encourage me. All the best to you, too!

    by: Elizabeth Q., Aug 10th at 11:01 am

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