Got a Cusinart Ice Maker for Christmas so this is my first attempt, which came out pretty good. It turned out yummy and creamy, though the mint flavour is quite intense, though I had gone for the milder flavour option as in the recipe below, I also only steeped the mint leaves for 20mins. The mint flavour is subtle but quite intense.
Ingredients (makes about 6 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups packed fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups of thicken cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup chopped peppermint candy (i.e. mint patties, aero, bubbly mint)
Method
- In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, bring the milk just to a boil. Remove from heat and add the mint leaves; let steep for 20 to 30 minutes. If you desire a milder mint flavour, strain and discard the mint leaves after steeping, but for a more intense ice cream, blend the milk/mint mixture using a stick blender.
- Add the sugar and salt to the steeped milk/mint mixture. Use a hand mixer on low speed or which to combine, until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the thicken cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate, 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
- Turn on the Cusinart ice cream maker; pour the mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Five minutes before mixing is completed, add the chopped candy through the top and let mix in completely. The ice cream will have a soft creamy texture, If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving.