Berry Brioche with Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream

==Description==
Recipe by J.J. Stith chef at "Aqua", Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas NV. Pretty tarts are made from brioche filled with a mixture of fresh berries. The tarts are served with homemade Tahitian vanilla ice cream -- Tahitian vanilla is very aromatic -- but may be served with excellent-quality purchased ice cream to simplify the recipe. 
==Ingredients==
=== Tahitian vanilla ice cream ===
* 2 cups milk
* 2 cups cream
* 1⅓ cups sugar
* 1 pinch salt
* 3 Tahitian vanilla beans
* 22 egg yolks
* 1 cup half-and-half
=== Brioche ===
* 1½ teaspoons water, tepid temperature
* ¾ ounce active dry yeast
* 4 eggs
* 3½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
* ⅓ cup sugar
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened 
=== Berry filling === 
* 6 cups mixed berries (blue, rasp, black, straw)
* ¾ cup sugar
* 3 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
* 1 pinch salt
* 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (opt, for decoration) 
=== Berry coulis === 
* 1½ cups mixed berries
* ½ cup simple syrup
* ½ medium lemon juice 
=== Decorations === 
* 1 cup crème anglaise
* 10 sprigs mint
* 10 pieces sugar, spirals or zig-zags (optional) 
==Directions==
=== Tahitian vanilla ice cream ===
# Combine the milk, cream, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
# Split the vanilla beans and scrape the seeds into the milk mixture, then drop in the pods.
# Bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat and set aside for 2 minutes to steep.
# Lightly whisk the egg yolks to break them up, then whisk in a spoonful of the hot milk mixture.
# Pour the yolks into the hot milk mixture, whisking gently to combine.
# Cook over medium heat, stirring gently but constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
# Remove from heat and strain through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl set in a larger bowl of ice.
# Let chill, stirring occasionally as the mixture cools.
# When it is cold, stir in the half-and-half.
# Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions.
# Pack into airtight freezer containers and freeze until ready to use. 
=== Brioche ===
# Oil a large mixing bowl and set aside.
# Whisk the water, yeast, and eggs together.
# In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt with the paddle attachment on low speed.
# Slowly add the egg mixture.
# Mix until the dough forms a ball.
# Add the butter, a few small pieces at a time, until the butter is incorporated.
# Mix on medium speed for 4 minutes.
# Put the dough in the oiled bowl; the mixture will be soft.
# Cover with plastic wrap and place a towel on top.
# Refrigerate overnight.
# Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
# Divide the cold dough into 10 portions, roll into balls, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
# Flour a work surface and roll out each ball of dough into a 6-inch circle.
# Brush off any excess flour.
# Refrigerate again.
# Place the circles on a work surface.
# Pinch the edge with your thumb and forefinger and twist slightly, turning up a collar all around each circle.
# Prick the bottoms with a fork and place on the prepared sheet pans.
# Brush the edges of the brioche with cool water and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. 
=== To finish ===
# Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
# Gently toss the filling ingredients together.
# Mound into the prepared brioche tart shells; the filling will cook down.
# Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until the filling bubbles and the edges are golden brown.
# Remove and keep warm.
=== Berry coulis === 
# Purée the ingredients in a food processor or blender and strain through a fine-meshed sieve. Put in a squeeze bottle.
# To serve: place a brioche tart on each dessert plate.
# Dust with confectioner's sugar.
# Spoon berry coulis over the plates.
# Place drops of crème anglaise in the coulis and pull through with a toothpick of the tip of a sharp knife to form a design.
# Top each with a scoop of Tahitian vanilla ice cream and garnish with a sprig of mint and (optional) sugar spiral. 
__NOTOC__
Category:American Desserts
Category:Blueberry Recipes
Category:Blackberry Recipes
Category:Raspberry Recipes
Category:Strawberry Recipes
Category:Brioche Recipes
Category:Mint Recipes
Category:Simple syrup Recipes
Category:Turbinado sugar Recipes
Category:Ice cream Recipes