STRAWBERRY GELATO

Italian gelato is made with milk rather than cream, resulting in a lower fat content than most ice creams.

3 cups cut-up strawberries
6 cups milk
1 1/3 cups sugar
12 egg yolks, beaten
Several drops red food coloring (optional)

Place berries in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until nearly smooth.

Combine 3 cups of the milk, the sugar, and egg yolks in a large saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture coats a spoon. (To test, dip a spoon into the custard and draw a line with your finger through the coating. The custard is done when the edges along the line keep their shape.) Remove from heat. Stir in the remaining milk, the pureed berries, and, if desired, food coloring.