Serves 6-8 , makes 1 quart

Ingredients

2 tablespoons fresh cinnamon basil, chopped fine
2-3 tablespoons turbinado sugar
2 teaspoons  Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
1 teaspoon pink salt
2 pounds red flesh plums, halved
½ cup of honey or cinnamon basil syrup  ( Field Apothecary)
2 cups heavy cream
Toasted Quinoa Spiced Crumble

Directions

On a large plate place the plums flesh side up.  In a small mixing bowl, combine the cinnamon basil sugar, (only) 1 teaspoon of the Sichuan peppercorns, and the salt and mix well.  Sprinkle the mixture all over the tops of the plums and let sit for about 20 minutes.  Heat the grill to a high heat.  Place the plums flesh side down on a clean grill and cook until slightly charred and tender.  About 2 minutes.  Take off grill and place back on the plate with the sugar etc.  Allow to cool.   In a blender, combine the plums and all the scrapings from the plate with the honey or syrup and blend until totally smooth.  There will be pieces of skin but this adds beautiful color.  Add the heavy cream and blend again until well combined.  Refrigerate mixture until well chilled.  Process in an ice cream maker according to directions or just freeze, the creamy texture of the plums allows for a creamy ice cream simply in the freezer!  Serve with a little Toasted Quinoa Spiced Crumble on top.

Toasted Quinoa Spiced Crumble

Makes ½ cup

Ingredients

½ cup almonds, chopped fine
¼ cup black quinoa
½ teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, cracked fine
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
½ tablespoon almond oil

Direcitons

Pre-heat oven to 325˚ F.  In a mixing bowl combine all ingredients until well mixed and all nuts and seeds are coated.  Place the nut and seed mixture on a lined baking sheet making sure to lie out evenly.  Bake for about 15 minutes or until slightly browned.  Allow to cool completely. Alternatively, toast the quinoa in a saute pan and add almonds and sichuan peppers. Add honey and almond oil, stir and take off heat.  Place on wax paper to solidify.