Paletas de Maracuyá
Passion fruit really lives up to its name, and its incomparable flavor becomes even more sublime in this paleta, where its tartness cuts through the richness of the creamy base. If you’re lucky enough to find fresh ripe passion fruit, buy it, because you can always store the puree in the freezer. To use passion fruit, simply cut it in half and scoop out the flesh. Otherwise, look for frozen passion fruit pulp in ethnic or specialty markets, as well as online, making sure that what you buy is just pulp, with no sugar added. If you want a little crunch and texture, use the passion fruit seeds.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 8 to 10
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Put the passion fruit pulp and 1/2 cup of the half-and-half in a bowl and stir to combine.
Step 2
Combine the remaining 1 cup half-and-half and the sugar and salt in a small saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the mixture, then add the pod. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture just comes to a boil.
Step 3
Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl large enough to accommodate the half-and-half mixture. When the half-and-half mixture begins to boil, slowly pour the warm liquid into the yolks while whisking continuously to avoid making scrambled eggs! Pour the mixture back into the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If using vanilla extract, stir it in at this point.
Step 4
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Add the passion fruit mixture and whisk lightly until thoroughly combined. Let cool over an ice bath, stirring occasionally, then refrigerate until completely chilled. Stir in the passion fruit seeds.
Step 5
If using conventional molds, divide the mixture among the molds, snap on the lid, and freeze until solid, about 5 hours. If using glasses or other unconventional molds, freeze until the pops are beginning to set (1 1/2 to 2 hours), then insert the sticks and freeze until solid, 4 to 5 hours. If using an instant ice pop maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
