Chocolate Covered Cherry Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate

Special equipment needed:
- Ice cream maker
- Candy thermometer

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved and mixture reaches 170°F on a candy thermometer.

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let mixture cool to room temperature.

3. Once cooled, stir in cherry preserves, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped dark chocolate.

4. Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions.

5. Once ice cream is churned, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Churning time: 20-30 minutes
- Freezing time: 2 hours
Temperature:
- Heat mixture to 170°F on a candy thermometer
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 1 quart of ice cream

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter ice cream.
- Cherry preserves can be substituted with raspberry or strawberry preserves.
- Dark chocolate can be substituted with milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added texture.
- Use different fruit preserves, such as apricot or peach, for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of amaretto or cherry liqueur for an adult twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure mixture is completely cooled before adding to ice cream maker to prevent ice crystals from forming.
- Chopped chocolate can be added during the last few minutes of churning for a more evenly distributed chocolate throughout the ice cream.
- For a smoother ice cream, strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before churning.

Storage instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating instructions:
- Allow ice cream to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a waffle cone or bowl with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a cherry on top.

Garnishes:
- Fresh cherries or whipped cream

Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Chocolate cake or brownies

Troubleshooting advice:
- If ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- If ice cream is too soft, freeze for an additional hour before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are properly stored and refrigerated before use.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure mixture reaches a safe temperature for consumption.

Food history:
- Ice cream has been enjoyed since ancient times, with evidence of flavored ice desserts dating back to the Persian Empire in 550 BC.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, creamy, and fruity with a hint of chocolate.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a summer barbecue or as a sweet treat on a hot day.

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Taste: Rich, Creamy, Chocolaty, Sweet, Tart