Post a Comment On: Home Cooking In Montana

[Image]
[Image]
Deep Dark Chocolate Ice Cream... I have been anxious to make some good ice cream for a while now. I realize this recipe might not be for everybody. Especially if you don't like your ice cream to chocolaty.

In order to make this recipe, an ice cream maker is essential. But, I figured that maybe one or two of you might have one, even if you have to dig it out from the back of your cabinet somewhere:) In my case, I have just acquired one.

When I was young, my dad bought a brand new refrigerator...it wasn't just new, it had an ice cream maker attachment! I loved making ice cream in it. The ice cream was wonderful, creamy and so different from the store bought ice cream. Every so often my dad would ask, "Now, what ingredients do you need to make that ice cream again?" Then he would give me the money to buy the necessary ingredients....so, off I went to the local market. That was years ago....

Since then, I have always bought my ice cream. My husband LOVES ice cream and not just any kind of ice cream. It has to be the really creamy kind...no sorbets, sherbets or frozen yoghurt! Breyers is usually the brand I buy, even though it isn't as creamy. But, I like to stick to the more natural brand as much as possible. Lately, I have been tossing around the idea of making my own ice cream. I mean why not make my own and put what I like in it. So, this was the result.

I used the recipe that comes with the ice cream maker and added some pecans. I also chopped some macadamia turtles, I mean why not?! Well, I wouldn't recommend it...the caramel hardens and that is not good. I am glad I didn't put too much. Next time, I'll toss out that idea! Maybe, I'll add some white chocolate chunks or some chocolate covered peanuts. I also added some flavoring in the form of Irish Cream....now, that was a hit! Of course if you don't care for it, skip it. Hmmm, maybe I'll do a rum and raisin version. Ok, the variations can be quite overwhelming:).

Overall, we loved it. It tasted like Ben & Jerry's/Godiva ice cream. It was full of flavor and very creamy...mission accomplished:). Hope you enjoy... 
You will need:
2 1/4 cups whole milk (I used 2%) 2 1/4 cups heavy cream 1 vanilla bean 1 1/8 cups sugar 1 1/8 cups Dutch process cocoa (I used NESTLE) 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 12 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (I used less... about 1 cup of chocolate chips instead) 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2-3 TBS Irish Cream (optional) 1 TBS instant coffee (optional) or finely ground coffee
Directions:
1. Combine the milk and cream in a large saucepan. Heat on med-low heat.
2. Cut the vanilla bean and scrape seeds.
3. Add the seeds and pod to the cream mixture.
4. Simmer the cream mixture over low heat for 30 minutes. [Image] 5. Remove the pod, rinse it and add it to some plain granulated sugar(to make vanilla sugar)... or discard. 6. Combine the sugar, cocoa, eggs, and yolks in a medium bowl.
7. Beat on medium until mixture resembles mayonnaise. 8. Take out 1 cup of the hot milk/cream mixture.
9. With the mixer on low, add the cup of hot milk/cream to the cocoa mixture.
10. Pour it in a steady stream until incorporated.
[Image] 11. Stir in the chopped chocolate/chips into the saucepan with the hot milk/cream.
12. Stir in the egg mixture into the hot milk/cream.
13. Cook over low heat,stirring constantly. At this point, the mixture tastes like decandent hot chocolate. I suppose if you don't want to go any further, you can always enjoy a nice hot cup of hot chocolate:). Now, seriously, lets get on to the next step:). [Image] 14. The mixture will thicken and resemble a chocolate pudding(custard). [Image] 15. Add the Irish Cream/vanilla and transfer to a bowl.
16. Cover with plastic wrap, directly on the surface of the pudding.
17. Refrigerate and cool completely.
18. Pour the cooled/chilled custard into the ice cream maker bowl.
19. Turn on the ice cream maker on let mix until thickened, about 25 minutes.
20. Add the nuts and any other additions you like during the last minute or so of the churning process. The ice cream will have a softer consistency. ~~~~***~~~
I like to place it in the freezer in an airtight container for about 2 hours or more before serving.[Image]