Honey Ice Cream with Almond Nougatine

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
4 egg yolks
1/2 to 3/4 cup honey
Almond Nougatine, recipe follows
Sesame Seed Cups, recipe follows

In a large, heavy saucepan, bring the cream and milk to a boil.

In a large, stainless steel bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the heated liquid into the bowl, whisking all the while. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Remove from the heat and stir in the honey, to taste. Transfer to a clean bowl and chill over ice cubes and cold water. Strain.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Just before the ice cream is completely set, stir in the Almond Nougatine, and continue to churn for a few minutes longer. Serve in a Sesame Seed Cup.

Yield: 1 quart

Almond Nougatine:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup sliced, blanched almonds

Brush a small baking sheet with vegetable oil and set aside.

In a medium-size, heavy saucepan, cook the sugar over high heat until it turns a caramel color. Stir in the almonds and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Pour out onto the prepared pan in a very thin layer and let harden. Cool.

When completely set, scrape the nougatine onto a chopping board with a heavy spatula. Cut or chop into small bits. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Sesame Seed Cups:
1 1/4 cups sesame seeds
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup (4 to 5) egg whites
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, optional
Milk

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients, except the milk, until well combined. Let rest at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, refrigerated and covered.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Using a 2-tablespoon measure, spoon some of the batter onto a nonstick baking sheet. Dip a fork into the milk and, using the back of the tines, gently pat the batter, spreading it into a very thin circle, about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. (The milk will prevent the batter from sticking to the fork.) You should be able to make 2 to 3 circles on an 11 by 15-inch baking sheet, spaced about 2 1/2 inches apart.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately shape over a 2 1/2 to 3-inch bowl or mold, forming a free form cup. Let harden. You may want to start by making 1 or 2 at a time, the cookie crisps very quickly and can crack.

Yield: 10 to 12 cups