Goat Cheese Ice Cream with Fried Bread Crumbs and Balsamic Strawberries

To make the ice cream:

1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with cold water and ice. Set aside. Place goat cheese in a large bowl and set a fine mesh basket strainer over the bowl. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan warm milk and sugar over medium heat. Bring mixture to just below a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar (the liquid should just begin to bubble).
3. Meanwhile, whisk the large egg yolks in a bowl until slightly thickened. Slowly, while whisking, pour the hot milk mixture into the yolks. Take your time here so you don’t scramble the egg (this process is known as tempering). Once tempered, return the egg-cream mixture to the saucepan.
4. Put the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. You will know the custard is thick enough when you see steam rise from the surface and the custard coats the spoon. Pour the custard through the mesh basket strainer into the bowl with the goat cheese. Stir until goat cheese is melted. Place the bowl in the ice bath and stir until cool.
5. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Freeze custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

To make the fried bread crumbs:

1. Place the sliced baguette into a food processor and pulse until the crumbs are coarsely chopped.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is warm and shimmering, add the bread crumbs. Stir to coat the crumbs in oil. Season with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly brown and crispy (about 5 minutes). Transfer crumbs to a paper towel covered plate. Let cool.

To make the balsamic strawberries:

1. Place the sugar and lemon zest in a small saucepan with 1 cup of water. Warm over medium low heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Put the strawberries in a medium sized bowl, pour the lemon syrup over the strawberries and cool for 2 - 3 hours.
2. Drain the syrup and save for another use (flavoring iced tea or cocktails). Place the strawberries in a clean bowl and add vinegar. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours or until ready to use. The leftover strawberry vinegar makes a damn good vinaigrette.

To serve:

1. Scoop ice cream into a bowl and top with fried bread crumbs and balsamic strawberries.