Happy Love Day

Posted by Lynsie Watkins Wed, 14 Feb 2007 20:01:00 GMT

Especially to you, Colin. You are the love of my life.

It's not everyday that we get to indulge in love, romance, and chocolate all at the same time. In the spirit of things, I'd like to give you a chance to make a special batch of ice cream for the loves of your lives. It's sweet and decadent, and most importantly, the memory of this perfect gift will stay with your loved ones long after all the ice cream has been scooped away...

Sheri's Mexican Chocolate Custard

6 eggs

4 cups sugar

6 cups cream

2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup strong coffee, hot!

2 teaspoons cinnamon (or more to taste)

1 teaspoon pure ancho chile powder

1. Beat sugar and eggs together until light yellow and fluffy.

2. Heat 5 cups cream over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. (175 degrees F)

3. Add 1/4 cup of cream to egg mixture while beating until incorporated.

4. Add in rest of cream and beat gently, then return to saucepan and heat until temperature reaches 175 degrees F. Make sure to whisk frequently, as the heat will be higher the lower it is in the pan. If the mixture boils, the eggs will scramble-which ruins the ice cream.

5. Remove custard from heat, and add final cup of cream to cool custard. Strain into bowl.

6. Brew coffee and pour over chocolate while still hot. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir. Chocolate should be melted.

7. Add cinnamon and chile powder to chocolate mixture.

8. Combine chocolate mixture with custard, chill for at least 4 hours.

9. Follow manufacturer's instructions for freezing ice cream in a maker. If you don't have one, freeze ice cream in container for 1 hour, pour into blender and blend, return to container, freeze. Repeat 2 hours later, then allow to freeze for at least 4 hours more.

I hope your loved ones enjoy this treat as much as mine will!

This recipe is courtesy of Sheri Salatin (with some artistic collaboration on my part). Sheri works at Polyface Farm, one of our most well-known and well-respected suppliers.