Peppermint Ice Cream (Ice Cream Maker)

Lvs2Cook's Note:

This ice cream would be great in the summer as well as dessert for a winter holiday. Cooking time is the approximate time it takes in my ice cream machine -- yours may differ.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 quart

• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 36 hard peppermint candies

Directions:

1. In a bowl, stir the cream and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.
2. Set aside for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 8 hours.
4. In a food processor, grind the peppermint candies by pulsing 2 or 3 times. Some of the candies will be more finely ground than others; small chunks of candy will add texture and interest to the final ice cream.
5. Pour the cream mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.
6. When nearly frozen and the consistency of thick whipped cream, add the ground peppermint candies. Churn or stir just until mixed.
7. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
8. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days, before serving.

Reviews

[Dr. Jen]

I found this recipe in a Williams-Sonoma cookbook. While the peppermint flavor and the tiny chunks of candy are perfect, I didn't like the consistency that came with using only heavy cream--it ended up tasting like frozen peppermint whipped cream. So saying, I think a dollop of this would be delicious in coffee, but I don't care for it as ice cream.