For Gelato

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled, rinsed & sliced
• ½ cup honey
• ½ vanilla bean pod, split
• ½ cinnamon stick
• 2 cups heavy cream
• fresh strawberries to serve (optional)

Equipment

• ice cream maker

1. Place the strawberries, honey, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, cover and cook 5-7 minutes
2. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then refrigerate until completely cold
3. Remove cinnamon stick & vanilla bean from the strawberry syrup
4. Stir in the heavy cream
5. Place the strawberry-cream mixture into an ice cream maker (any home model will do)
6. Process according to manufacturer's instructions, until the mixture reaches a batter-like consistency (it will also increase in volume by about 30%-40%). This will take about 15 minutes
7. Transfer the semi-frozen gelato to another container
8. Cover & freeze for at least 6 hours before serving. Scoop and serve with fresh strawberries (optional)