Culinary Disasters

Well finally got a chance to try out one of the new Christmas gifts (thanks Santa!).

I really really wanted to do bacon ice cream out of the gate and figured that would be a fitting first thing to do but well I did not feel like messing up and ruining good bacon so I opted for a simple and easy peppermint ice cream.  Figured from years of grabbing peppermints as I left a restaurant I had more than enough to use.  Candy canes would be another thing I would have used had I actually put a Christmas tree up.  

However, since I was very happy with the way it turned out I know have the confidence to go for the bacon.

For this dish you are going to need:

• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 2.5 cups of heavy cream
• 8 egg yolks (don’t just dump those whites save them for something else)
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 TB of vanilla extract
• 2 TB of peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup of crushed up peppermint candy (perfect way to take the stress of the day out)
• Pinch of kosher salt

First thing over medium-low on the stovetop heat the 2.5 cups of milk till it is warm.  We do not want it come to a boil or even close.

In a mixing bowl or using the KitchenAid mix the egg yolks with the sugar till completely incorporated on setting 1 (about 1 minute).

 

While the mixer is running at setting 1 pour in 1/3 cup of the warm milk mixture.  This step is crucial so that the eggs do not end up scrambling and is called tempering.

Once the warm milk has been incorporated slowly add in the rest of the milk.  Stir till combined on setting 1 (about 1-2 minutes).

Return this mixture back to the stove top over medium-low heat and heat till warm again (remember boil bad).

Pour the cream into another bowl.  Once the milk mixture is warm; stir in a small amount (about 1/3 cup) of the milk mixture into the cream. 

Slowly add in the remaining warm milk into the cream and combine.

Add in the pinch of salt.  Now depending on how strong you like your ice cream or what brand of extracts you are using the next step is crucial.  I went through and would add in 1/2 TB of the extract, stir, and taste to get the taste where I wanted it to be at.  Eventually it ended up being at 2 TB of peppermint and 1 TB of vanilla. 

Now your mixture is done so time to play the waiting game.  Cover and move the mixture to the fridge and let it sit overnight. 

When ready set up your ice cream mixer per the instructions.  If you are using the KitchenAid ice cream maker remove the ice cream bowl from the freezer (you did remember to freeze it for at least 24 hours right?), attach it to the stand, slowly pour in the mixture, and put the paddle on, and turn it to setting 1 (these steps are all detailed in your instruction handbook but really does anyone read them?).  It will take about 15-20 minutes to set up so relax and walk away.

Ok don’t go far because we still have some stress to work out (who needs the gym when you have stuff to crush?).  Put your peppermint candies into a bag.  Take a mallet or skillet and beat the crap out of them till they are crushed. 

Once the ice cream mixture is done, turn off the mixture, and remove the paddle. 

Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies.

Transfer this mixture into another bowl (man your dishwasher must hate you after this recipe) and let it harden up for a couple hours or overnight.

Serve and enjoy!

Tags: Dessert, All //