Mandarin Orange Ice Cream with Sesame Brittle

Directions

1. 1.

   Bring cream, juice, and a pinch of salt to a simmer in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat.

2. 2.

   Whisk together yolks, sugar, and honey, then add half of cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking constantly. Pour back into saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard thickens slightly and registers 170 to 175°F on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil).

3. 3.

   Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in zest. Chill custard, stirring occasionally, until cold, at least 6 hours.

4. 4.

   Place a large sheet of foil (shiny side up) on a heatproof work surface.

5. 5.

   Toast white and black sesame seeds in a large heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring until white seeds are golden, about 8 minutes, then transfer to a plate.

6. 6.

   Heat sugar and honey with a pinch of salt in a 2 quart heavy sauce pan over medium heat, stirring often, until deep golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in sesame seeds and remove from heat. Pour mixture onto foil, smoothing top and spreading into a 10-to 11-inch round with a metal offset spatula (mixture will be very hot), then cool to room temperature.

7. 7.

   Invert brittle onto a cutting board and peel off foil. Cut brittle into small pieces. Transfer to airtight container.

8. 8.

   Freeze custard in an ice cream maker in 2 separate batches. Fold 3/4 cup sesame brittle into each batch after freezing. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to firm up, about 4 hours. Serve with remaining brittle if desired.