Peppermint Stick Custard Ice Cream
Every Christmas, I look forward to finding peppermint ice cream at my local Baskin-Robbins. I love that it's creamy, with plenty of peppermint flavor and bits of peppermint candy. Why not make my own? I made a basic custard base, that yields a creamy ice cream. I then chilled it and then churned it in an ice cream machine. The results-- Christmas peppermint deliciousness available any time of year!
Servings 8
Calories 332kcal
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pure peppermint extract or to taste
- 6 each crushed peppermint candy canes or about 1 cup
- 3 drops Pink Gel Food Coloring optional
Instructions
- Prepare a large bowl with ice and nest a bowl inside. Set a wire mesh strainer (to catch bits of cooked egg).
- In a large saucepan, heat half-and-half cream to 175°; stir in sugar and salt until dissolved.
- Whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160°, stirring constantly. Do not allow to boil. Remove from heat immediately.
- Quickly transfer the custard into the mesh strainer and into the bowl; place bowl in the large bowl of ice water. Stir gently and occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Stir in cream, vanilla and peppermint extract. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
- Add the gel food coloring into the chilled custard, if desired. Add one drop at a time until it's the color you like.
- Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Add the crushed peppermint, in increments, once the ice cream appears to be thickening so that they are mixed well, once the ice cream.
- Transfer ice cream to freezer containers, allowing extra room for expansion. Freeze 2-4 hours or until firm.
Notes
Items you will need: Food thermometer, wire mesh strainer, large bowls, whisk, ice cream maker