Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsPia's TrattoriaGelato Recipe

Gelato Recipe

Inspired by Pia's Trattoria
Time3h
Serves4

Italian ice cream available in various flavors.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

Method

Base Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Milk and Cream

    In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling.

  2. 2

    Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.

  3. 3

    Temper the Egg Mixture

    Slowly pour half of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.

  4. 4

    Cook the Base

    Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.

  5. 5

    Cool and Add Vanilla

    Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Flavoring and Churning

  1. 6

    Prepare Flavorings

    If making chocolate gelato, melt the chocolate and let it cool slightly. For strawberry gelato, puree the strawberries until smooth. For pistachio gelato, blend the pistachios into a paste.

  2. 7

    Combine Flavorings

    Stir the chosen flavoring into the chilled base mixture until well combined.

  3. 8

    Churn Gelato

    Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically about 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

  4. 9

    Freeze Gelato

    Transfer the gelato to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.

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