📖 Instructions

1. First, prepare the lavender infusion. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream with the dried lavender flowers. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream is fragrant and lightly infused with lavender—about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to boil the cream; we just want to gently coax out the lavender's essence.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the lavender steep in the cream for 30 minutes. This allows the flavor to fully develop. After steeping, strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender flowers. Discard the flowers; they've done their job!
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the strained lavender-infused cream, plain yogurt, honey, black sesame paste, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the black sesame paste is fully incorporated, with no lumps remaining. The mixture should be smooth and have a beautiful greyish-purple hue. Isn't that amazing?
4. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for churning. Typically, this involves chilling the mixture thoroughly (at least 2 hours) before pouring it into the machine. Churn until the frozen yogurt reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually around 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be thick and creamy but not rock-solid.
5. Once churned, transfer the frozen yogurt to a freezer-safe container. Gently swirl in the extra black sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. You can also add a few fresh lavender sprigs for garnish, if desired. Cover the container tightly and freeze for at least 2 hours to allow the frozen yogurt to firm up further. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect scoopable consistency.
6. Before serving, let the frozen yogurt sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the flavors. Serve in bowls or cones, and enjoy the unique blend of black sesame and lavender as it melts in your mouth. Feel free to add additional toppings, such as a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt, to elevate the experience even more! I like a small piece of dark chocolate.
7. If you don't have an ice cream maker: No problem! You can still make this frozen yogurt using the no-churn method. After mixing all the ingredients, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then, remove the container from the freezer and use a fork to break up any ice crystals that have formed. Whisk the mixture vigorously to create a smooth, creamy texture. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours, or until the frozen yogurt reaches your desired consistency. It requires a bit more effort, but the result is well worth it!
8. Another Idea! Have you considered making ice cream sandwiches? If not, now is the time to think about it! This ice cream would pair well with home made chocolate cookies. I'm drooling just thinking about it. You can use store-bought cookies of course, but the home made version is so much better.