Traditional Vanilla Gelato

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine milk, cream, vanilla bean pod, and seeds. Heat over medium heat until small bubbles form around edges.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
3. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
4. Pour tempered egg mixture back into saucepan, whisking constantly.
5. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon, until mixture coats the back of spoon and reaches 170°F, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve into clean bowl. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
7. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto surface. Refrigerate until completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Remove vanilla bean pod and churn in gelato machine according to manufacturer's instructions, usually 20-25 minutes.
9. Transfer to airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving for optimal texture.