Active Time

　　30 min

　　Total Time

　　5 hr (includes chilling and freezing)

　　Even if you're not an eggnog lover, you're going to love this custardy ice cream. Freshly grated nutmeg and the rounded complexity of dark rum lend it a rich flavor — plus a lovely aroma that will put you in the holiday spirit while you make dessert.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 1 1/2 quarts

　　1 cup whole milk

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　7 large egg yolks

　　3/4 cup sugar

　　2 cups chilled heavy cream

　　3 tablespoons dark rum

　　1 teaspoon vanilla

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

　　Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg

　　

Special Equipment

an instant-read thermometer; an ice cream maker

　　

Step 1

Bring milk and salt to a boil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Remove from heat.

　　

Step 2

Whisk together yolks and sugar in a bowl, then gradually add 1/4 cup hot milk, whisking. Add yolk mixture to milk remaining in pan in a slow stream, whisking, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture is slightly thickened, coats back of spoon, and registers 175°F on thermometer, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately pour through a fine-mesh sieve set into a clean bowl and stir in cream, rum, vanilla, and nutmeg. Chill custard, covered, until cold, at least 2 hours.

　　

Step 3

Freeze in ice cream maker, then transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden, at least 2 hours. Soften slightly in refrigerator before serving, about 20 minutes.

　　Cooks' notes:

　　· Custard can be chilled up to 1 day. · Ice cream can be made 1 week ahead.