Almond Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

8 oz

almond flour or very finely ground almonds

2 1/2 cups

powdered sugar

3/4 cup

egg whites (from 6 to 7 large eggs), room temperature

1/4 tsp

fine sea salt

1/2 cup

plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 cups

whole milk, divided

4 tsp

cornstarch

3 tbsp

cream cheese, softened

seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 tsp

fine sea salt

1 1/4 cups

heavy cream

2/3 cup

granulated sugar

2 tbsp

light corn syrup

1/2 tsp

almond extract

1 cup

coarsely chopped almonds (if desired, for garnish)