Scooped: Dairy-Free Almond Tofu Ice Cream with Honey Swirl

[Photo: Ethan Frisch]

I love tofu. Not as an alternative to meat (I'm an enthusiastic carnivore) but as a delicacy in its own right. I'm a regular customer at a tiny, storefront tofu factory in Manhattan's Chinatown, where the soymilk is so fresh you can taste the chlorophyll.

One of my favorite tofu dishes is a Chinese dessert, a light, creamy tofu pudding topped with honey, sometimes flavored with bitter almond. I decided to try it as a dairy-free ice cream, swirled with honey and topped with orange zest—not because I have any objection to dairy-based ice creams, but because I wanted a frozen dessert that highlighted the flavor of the tofu itself.

The ice cream is light and smooth, the tofu ensuring a smooth and creamy texture despite the lack of fat. The almond extract adds a warmth and richness, but doesn't overpower the vegetal tofu flavor, which shines through at the end. A flurry of bright, fresh orange zest balances the honey's sweetness and makes for a light, refreshing dessert.

Get the Recipe

Almond Tofu Ice Cream with Honey Swirl »