Mint Chip Ice Cream

Oh, how fickle I am. A post ago I was talking up the joys of fall. Then I realized its been raining six out of the last seven days. And yesterday, it was so windy no amount of protective rain gear kept me from getting soaked. So my mind wandered, as it often does, to some place sunny and hot. Mint chip ice cream essential in my fantasy to cool me down.

MINT CHIP ICE CREAM

• 2 c heavy cream
• 1 c whole milk
• 3/4 c sugar
• pinch salt
• 3 c mint leaves, loosely packed
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 c dark chocolate chips (chopped Valhrona Guanaja is my pick!)

METHOD

Heat cream, milk, sugar and salt. Just as the edges simmer take off the heat and add all the mint leaves. Stir in and cover with plastic wrap to steep. Set aside for one hour. Strain and add remaining one cup cream. Heat the mixture again (just to a scald). Meanwhile whisk egg yolks. Temper the eggs with the hot mixture. Thicken the mixture over low heat just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Strain a second time. Chill mixture. Spin the ice cream following your ice cream machine's instructions. Fold in chocolate chips and put in freezer. Makes about 2 pints of ice cream. Let harden a bit and eat!

This ice cream is absolutely fabulous. I love the minty-ness with the dark chocolate. A match made in heaven. Unless you use artificial coloring its hard to get the "mint green" color. I opt out of food coloring - the mint flavor is absolutely unmistakable if you follow this recipe.

Comments

[lisaiscooking]

That's funny. The farther we get into fall, the more I keep thinking about ice cream! Looks delicious.

[Sophie]

Wow,...that's an original ice cream!! The taste must be fantastic!

MMMMMM,...I can nearly taste it through my MAC!

[OysterCulture]

Having just got back from Humphrey Slockum is the only thing that saved me from running to the closest ice cream store after reading this post. I love mint chocolate chip ice cream, and seeing the number of food bloggers that feel the same, I sense that the vanilla guys are waging a devious campaign of deceit.

I'm more of a sorbet making girl myself just because I don't like all the egg custardy recipes I see for ice cream, but for this recipe, I am willing to go on a limb - plus it only has half the eggs.

Thanks for sharing and when you come at Christmas, and if you haven't already been there, maybe we need to hit up HS, its just down the street from F+W on Harrison. =)

[gastroanthropologist]

lisaiscooking - I know! I've had ice cream and frozen yogurt three times this week (much more than normal for me) and its been the coldest weatherwise.

OysterCulture - I've haven't been yet, but dream of Humphrey! I often check his website for flavors - some are a little crazy as I am a bit of a traditionalist, but I imagine they are delicious. Sold on meeting there over Christmas.

[elra]

It's a bit cold in here, but wouldn't mind to have mint ice cream.

[Daily Spud]

I normally need summer weather to go with ice cream, but all this talk of Humphrey Slocombe (which I got to visit earlier this year when I was in SF) plus seeing possibly my favourite mint-choc-chip combination here has me thinking that ice cream might be just what I need right now!

[Maria]

I love minty ice cream ... one of my favorites. I've yet to make homemade ice cream but should really get to it ...

[Natasha - 5 Star Foodie]

Mint chocolate chip ice cream is my favorite! Homemade with fresh mint leaves sounds perfect!

[Sam]

Mint chip is one of my favourite flavours! I like the way you've used fresh mint rather than flavouring, it looks fantastic.

[The Duo Dishes]

You're bringing back summer with this one. Even though it's fall, the days are sunny and juuuuuuust warm enough to still enjoy ice cream. Only eaten indoors though. :)

[lisa]

Ugh, I love mint ice cream. I don't have ice cream often because it doesn't always agree with me, but I did try Bi Rite Creamery's mint chip and I fell in love. Yours sounds minty delicious with the 3 cups of fresh mint leaves. No coloring necessary- it's all about the taste.

[mycookinghut]

I love mints and choc chips... Valhrona Guanaja is even better!! Lovely!

[cheffresco]

Mmm looks delicious! I've never had homemade mint chip ice cream!

[Tangled Noodle]

No matter the coming winter chill, mint chocolate chip will always be welcome! This is my husband's absolute favorite flavor of ice cream - I made a version back in July, also steeping fresh mint leaves (albeit in low-fat milk and half'n'half, rather than whole and cream). I managed the green color by adding crème de menthe - couldn't resist!

Your version sounds delightfully creamy. Come to think of it, my ice cream maker bowl is still in the freezer, ready to go . . .

[Lori]

I've got my ice cream maker back and it is screaming to be used. After reading this post it is going to be hard to ignore it! I think the best part about this one is the natural mint, no artificial color needed in my opinion. Cold or hot mint always makes me think of the holidays. :)

[zerrin]

Never tried to make ice cream at home. I don't have that courage yet. Your ice cream sounds so refreshing, the mint flavor is a perfect touch. Thanks for the recipe, I must try it with the help of mom next summer.

[Juliana]

Unfortunately do now won a ice cream maker, but will consider to acquire one next summer. Your ice cream with mint sure looks refreshing ;-)