chocolate ice cream

Making chocolate ice cream at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here's a classic recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ice cream base:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the rest of the sugar. Do this until the mix is pale and a bit thick.

2. Temper the egg yolks:

   • Pour a little of the hot cream into the eggs while whisking. This is to temper the yolks and prevent them from curdling.

   • After tempering the yolks, pour them into the saucepan. Add the rest of the cream. Blend in a rotational sequence.

3. Cook the Custard:

   • Continue to cook the mixture over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture until it reaches a spoon-coating consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.

4. Add Cocoa and Chill:

   • Take the saucepan off the heat. Whisk in the cocoa, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until smooth.

   • Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or cooked egg bits.

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Press it onto the custard's surface to stop a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 4 hours or overnight.

5. Churn the ice cream:

   • Chill the mixture, then pour it into an ice cream maker. Churn it as the manufacturer instructs. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

   • If using, add the chocolate chips or chunks during the last few minutes of churning.

6. Freeze the ice cream:

   • Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until it is firm.

7. Serve:

   • Scoop and enjoy your homemade chocolate ice cream!

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of coffee or espresso powder to the mixture.

• Experiment with add-ins like nuts, marshmallows, or caramel swirls.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate ice cream!