St Patricks Mint Chocolate Chip (Printable)
A creamy mint and chocolate chip frozen dessert with a festive touch for St Patricks Day.
# What You'll Need:
→ Ice Cream Base
01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 4 large egg yolks
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Flavorings
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - green food coloring (optional, a few drops)
→ Chocolate
09 - 3/4 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Combine heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat until just steaming, not boiling.
02 - Whisk together egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt in a separate bowl until pale and thick.
03 - Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
04 - Gradually whisk the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
05 - Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (170-175°F).
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring if using.
07 - Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
08 - Churn the chilled custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
09 - In the last few minutes of churning, add chopped chocolate chips.
10 - Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
11 - Serve scoops in bowls or cones and enjoy immediately.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The homemade custard base creates an incredibly silky texture that storebought versions just can't match
- Fresh peppermint extract makes it taste like a restaurant quality treat rather than something artificial
02 -
- The custard must reach at least 170 degrees to properly thicken, but don't let it boil or you'll end up with scrambled eggs
- Chilling the base thoroughly before churning is non negotiable for that smooth, creamy texture
03 -
- Always chop your chocolate chips slightly unevenly, some larger and some smaller pieces create better texture
- Use pure peppermint extract not the stuff labeled mint flavor for that authentic taste