Title: Chocolate-Fresh Spearmint Ice Cream
Categories: Ice cream
Yield: 1 Batch

1 1/2 c Whipping cream
1 1/2 c Milk
2/3 c Sugar
3 Egg yolks
1 ts Vanilla extract
2 oz Semisweet chocolate
2 oz Unsweetened chocolate
1 c Fresh spearmint leaves*
2 tb Fresh spearmint leaves;
-chopped

*Leaves are "hardpacked:" measure by pressing down on leaves in measuring
cup with your fingers.

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan or double boiler over medium-low heat, stir and
heat the cream, milk, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. While whisking, pour 1 cup of
the hot cream mixture into the bowl, then pour the egg mixture back into
the saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden
spoon (don't let the mixture boil; it could curdle) for about 8 minutes, or
until it begins to thicken and coats the spoon. To test for doneness, dip a
metal spoon into the mixture and run your finger across the back. The
custard is done when your finger leaves a clear, clean trail. A candy
thermometer should read 175-180 degrees F. Remove the pan from the heat and
stir in the vanilla.

While heating the ice-cream base, melt the chocolate in a double boiler
over hot but not simmering water, stirring occasionally.

Off heat, pour about 1 cup of the prepared hot ice-cream base into the
melted chocolate and whisk until well blended. Pour the chocolate mixture
back into the remaining vanilla base and whisk again. Stir in the
hard-packed mint leaves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1
hour. The longer it is refrigerated, the stronger the mint flavor will be.

Strain the mixture and add the chopped mint leaves. Pour the mixture into
an ice-cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Source: "The Herb Companion" August/September 1996
Posted to MM-Recipes Digest V3 #209

Date: Fri, 2 Aug 1996 08:11:37 +0000

From: Linda Place