Sour Cream Ice Cream with Caramelized Pear Compote

1 . Stage

To make ice cream: In a large bowl, whisk sour cream, sugar, half-and-half, lemon juice, and salt until blended. Scrape vanilla bean seeds into mixture and whisk until blended. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour, or overnight.

2 . Stage

Freeze sour cream mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions. In the meantime, place an 8-cup storage container in freezer. When ice cream is done, scoop into container and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight, until solid.

3 . Stage

To make compote: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and cinnamon stick, if using. Cook, stirring frequently, until sugar mixture turns caramel color, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a long-handled spoon, carefully stir in brandy and lemon juice (mixture will spatter). Add pears and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until pears are tender and juices thicken slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and discard cinnamon stick.

4 . Stage

To serve, scoop about 1/2 cup ice cream into each of 8 dessert bowls and top with warm pear compote. The ice cream recipe makes more than is needed for the dessert. In an airtight container, cover surface of leftover ice cream with plastic wrap, seal, and freeze for up to 1 week.