ICE CREAM

With summer here what is better than a nice plate of ice cream? For me lots of things, but for my husband, ice cream is his all time favourite dessert. I feel pretty guilty when he searches the freezer for a tub of ice cream, and I know there is none there. Because I don't really care for it I often forget to buy it. It's not that I never eat it, there is nothing better than some good vanilla on a warm apple pie or fruit crumble, but for me that is about the only time I'm tempted by it.

So this year I thought I would step up to the mark, be the perfect wife, and keep a supply of ice cream in the fridge for my wonderful husband. Not just any ice cream of course, but home made, and hopefully delicious.

I have made it in the past but now I plan to get serious. My first batch was to be mint chocolate chip. As I have lots of fresh mint in the garden this seemed a good choice. I had actually forgotten how easy it is to make, and how great the rewards are.

2 cups heavy (double) cream
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
4 large egg yolks
1/8 tsp salt
iced water
green food colouring(optional)
1 cup chocolate chips, chopped

In a medium pan , heat the cream, milk, 1/2 cup sugar and the mint. Over a medium heat stir until almost simmering. Remove from heat, cover and leave for 15 mins.

In a bowl whisk the egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar and salt. Add the hot liquid to to the mixture in a slow stream whisking constantly. I like to use my hand mixer for this. Pour back into the saucepan and cook over a medium-low heat stirring until mixture starts to thicken to a custard like consistency. It takes about 6-8 mins.

Strain custard into a bowl set in an ice bath. Stir in 1-2 drops of food colouring if you are using. Cool in the refrigerater for about 4 hours.

Using an ice cream machine process according to instructions. Fold in chocolate chips, and transfer to and airtight container and freeze until ready firm, about 4 hours.

I have the ice cream attachment for my kitchen maid mixer and find this works really well.



It tasted pretty good, even to a non ice cream eater,I think I will be making a lot more of it this summer now I have the bug. Maybe I'll even be tempted to eat a bit more of it too. Who can tell.