Step 1 Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast them until golden brown and fragrant, about 8 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool slightly, then puree in a blender or food processor until the mixture resembles very chunky peanut butter. Set aside.
Step 2 In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or in a medium bowl using a hand-held mixer, beat the egg yolks and honey together until pale yellow and satiny, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
Step 3In a large saucepan, mix the milk and cream together over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until hot (be careful not to boil). Slowly pour one-half cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk in an additional one-half cup of the milk mixture to fully temper the yolks. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Step 5Pour the mixture into a medium bowl set over an ice bath, then stir in the pine nut butter. Allow the mixture to chill completely, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Strain through a mesh strainer, pushing down on the solids (you will still have about one-fourth cup of pine nut puree left in the strainer). Discard the solids.
Step 6Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Spread the gelato evenly into a container with a lid; cover the surface with plastic wrap and then cover with the lid. Freeze it until completely set, at least 5 hours, preferably overnight. (Makes 1 quart.)