Easy Chocolate Bits & Walnut Ice Cream

I've had this recipe for 17 years (long before I owned an ice cream machine), and can't recall where I got it from. Since this ice cream is frozen in a loaf pan, no "ice cream making equipment" is needed. Cook time = approximate minimum freezing time, depending on your freezer.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 15 mins
• Yields: 1 1/2 Quarts (approx)

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  firmly packed brown sugar, plus
• 2  tablespoons  firmly packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 3  eggs
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2  cups heavy cream
• 1  cup  miniature semisweet chocolate chips (half of a 12 ounce package)
• 1  cup  chopped toasted walnuts

Directions

1. Line a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan with foil.
2. In a heavy saucepan, combine brown sugar and butter.
3. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring occasionally, and boil for 1 minute.
4. Remove pan from heat.
5. In a blender, combine eggs, vanilla extract and salt, blend on medium speed for 30 seconds.
6. Add brown sugar mixture and blend on high speed for 1 minute.
7. Set mixture aside to cool.
8. In a large bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
9. Fold the butter/sugar mixture, mini bits and walnuts into the whipped cream.
10. Pour mixture into foil lined pan.
11. Cover the top tightly with foil and freeze until firm (possibly overnight).