Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 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, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks until light and frothy.
3. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
6. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8. Churn the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. During the last minute of churning, add in the chopped dark chocolate.
10. Transfer the frozen custard to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight
Freezing time: 2 hours
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
Makes about 1 quart
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 90mg
Sugar: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream.
- If you don't have peppermint extract, you can use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
Variations:
- Omit the chocolate and add in 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves for a pure mint flavor.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Add in 1/2 cup crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to temper the egg yolks by slowly adding in the hot cream mixture to prevent curdling.
- Chill the custard thoroughly before churning to ensure a smooth texture.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by freezing the custard in a shallow dish and stirring it every 30 minutes until it reaches a scoopable consistency.
Storage Instructions:
Store the frozen custard in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating Instructions:
Allow the frozen custard to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the frozen custard in a bowl or cone and sprinkle with extra chopped chocolate or crushed candy canes.
Garnishes:
Chopped chocolate, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, fresh mint leaves.
Pairings:
Hot fudge sauce, chocolate syrup, fresh berries.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the custard curdles, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps before chilling.
- If the custard is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- If the custard is too thick, whisk in a little more milk or cream to thin it out.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the custard to at least 160°F to ensure that any harmful bacteria is killed.
- Store the frozen custard at a temperature of 0°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food History:
Frozen custard is a dessert that originated in the United States in the early 1900s. It is similar to ice cream but contains more egg yolks and is churned at a slower speed, resulting in a denser and creamier texture.
Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, minty, chocolatey.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the frozen custard as a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day or as a festive treat during the holiday season.
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