1 PINT HALF AND HALF RECIPES

Steps:

• Put 2 cups cream, half-and-half or milk, the sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. If using a vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise and scrape seeds into liquid, then add pod. Cook until mixture begins to steam.
• In a bowl, blend cornstarch and remaining cream, half-and-half or milk; there should be no lumps. Remove bean pod from pot and discard. Add cornstarch mixture to pot. Cook, stirring, until it starts to thicken and barely reaches a boil, about 5 minutes. Immediately reduce heat to very low and stir for 5 minutes or so until thick. Stir in vanilla extract, if using.
• If mixture has lumps, strain it into a bowl. Chill until cool, a couple of hours (you can skip this step if you have a machine with a built-in freezer). When cool or if there are no lumps, pour into an ice cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients except the half-and-half and heavy cream in a medium pot. Use white wine for a subtler flavor, or sherry if you’re feeling bold. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally until oysters curl.
• Add half-and-half and heavy cream and cook, stirring, until just shy of a boil. You’ll have to keep an eye out. You want the stew to get very hot, but don’t want to reach that boil. Serve with oyster crackers or, if you’re feeling fancy, toast points.