We have amply described in a previous post why we’re unable to call this dish Derby-Pie® Ice Cream (and why we always include the hyphen and the “®”). But as it is once again time for “the fastest two minutes in sports,” we were inspired to imbue the flavors of this Derby confection into ice cream. Rule Number One was simple: do not use Derby-Pie®. Not that we’re dismissing the Kerns’ creativity—after all, they were quite helpful when we wrote our book. But we thought simply hucking wads of Derby-Pie® into freezing custard would be gross.
Instead, Michelle made walnut pralines, reaching for the caramelization of pecan pie while adding the crunch of crust. Chocolate chunks and a hefty glug of bourbon stood in for the rest of the ingredients. What came out of our freezer was a delicious take on the trademarked icon, and one we’d gladly take over the original.
Even if you’re not into Derby, you may very well be interested in tasting crunchy sweet walnuts and chocolate together in some delicious ice cream. It will be like having your own Derby in a cone—and no one will be coming around to sue you.
Obligatory annual mint julep photo
(ice cream adapted from Bon Appétit Magazine/chocolate chunks adapted from Alice Medrich’s Bittersweet/praline adapted from Emeril Lagasse and Marcelle Bienvenu’s Louisiana Real and Rustic) ICE CREAM: Whisk egg yolks, granulated sugar and salt in a medium bowl until sugar is dissolved. Stir milk, 1-1/4 cup cream and brown sugar together in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Do not worry if it looks a bit curdled. Gradually add a cup or so of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking to temper. Add the warmed egg yolk mixture to the saucepan. Stir custard over low heat for several minutes, until thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Strain the custard into metal bowl. Add remaining 3/4 cup of cream. Let cool completely, stirring often, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day, before freezing, add bourbon to taste and vanilla. CHOCOLATE CHUNKS: Melt chocolate and water in a double boiler, stirring frequently. Pour mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Slide paper onto a small plate or baking sheet and freeze. When chocolate is firm, chop into chunks. Return to freezer until needed. PRALINE: Combine sugar, butter and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until mixture begins to boil. Add walnuts and continue to cook, stirring, until thickened (3 or 4 minutes). Drop praline mixture by spoonfuls onto a piece of waxed paper. Let cool. Chop cooled pralines into small pieces. ASSEMBLY: Freeze ice cream in a freezer according to manufacturer’s instructions. When frozen, stir on chocolate chunks and praline pieces. Remove to a container and freeze for several hours before serving.NOT DERBY-PIE® ICE CREAM
Gourmandistan 
It sounds pretty good with bourbon and walnuts!
And all those egg yolks don’t hurt. 🙂
When you say “bourbon to taste,” how much did you add? If I added to my taste, the alcohol might prevent the ice cream from freezing! 😉
Ha! I don’t love bourbon, so it wasn’t too much of a problem here. But I’ve made a few calvados ice creams that had exactly that problem!
very good + one question: what is the reason behind the melting and reforming of the choc? thanks. stefano
This explains it, and it really does work!
That’s a really handy tip, thanks! And your ice cream looks divine.
Alice Medrich always has the best ideas.
“But we thought simply hucking wads of Derby-Pie® into freezing custard would be gross.” I agree, and this sentence really made me laugh! I could just picture it.
🙂
Oh my. You may recall my own interactions with the Derby Pie legal department after I offered up a recipe on my blog. (And which resolved itself in my favor with them sending me a pie to thank me for editing the post.) Can’t wait to try this. After Dann Byck and mint juleps, Derby Pie is my favorite thing Louisvillian.
They are serious as a heart attack. Glad to bring back happy memories of Louisville and Lousivillians though.
Now I know what pralines are. I’ve heard the word my whole life but never knew what it meant…
Really? These were a more crunchy variety than the usual New Orleans ones. I’ll take either. 🙂
Lovely photos. Excellent recipe.
Thanks, Conor!
You guys don’t have kids, right?!! I’m quite envious of your lifestyle! Great ice cream inspired by three different cookbooks!
Ha! Correct: no kids. Just cats and chickens. 🙂
This recipe alone would make me go out and buy and ice cream maker. It does sound perfect!
Thanks, Karen. They do come in handy!
That is one awesome Ice Cream, love it
Thanks, Raymund. I’m not a bourbon lover (strange for a Kentuckian, I know), but it was pretty good in ice cream.
Love the story behind this Michelle – and although I’m not a huge ice cream fan your description sounds wonderful – especially when you got to the ‘slug of Bourbon’
Thanks, Sally. As a Kentuckian, I have to do something with bourbon. Since I don’t like drinking it, it might as well be ice cream!