Sunday, January 25, 2009

Predictable Peppermint


When I was a small child, one of the biggest treats we would receive was being taken out for an ice cream cone. I loved to press my nose against the glass display case at the ice cream shop, peering into the variously hued tubs, weighing the advantage of chocolate chocolate chip against strawberry, or raspberry sorbet versus vanilla bean. My sister was not one to get bogged down in the decision making process. As far as I remember, every time it was available, she'd pick peppermint.

Just before Christmas this past year we were discussing plans for Christmas Eve and she told me that her family has a tradition of inviting a big group over for a pot of soup and homemade peppermint ice cream with hot fudge sauce. Some people just don't change much.


Having that discussion lodged the idea of peppermint ice cream in my brain and when Christmas was done and it was time to clean up, I found myself with several candy canes on hand. I could have let my kids eat them, I suppose. But all that sugar, right after the holidays....that wouldn't be good parenting, would it? No, it would be much better parenting to put the candy canes into ice cream and give us something we could all enjoy!

Peppermint Ice Cream
- adapted from Williams-Sonoma Ice Cream & Sorbets

3 cups (750 ml) half-and-half
1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
6 egg yolks
1/3 cup (155 g) sugar
1/2 cup (60 g) lightly crushed candy canes

1- In a medium-sized, heavy saucepan bring 2 cups (500 ml) of the half-and-half and the corn syrup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat.

2- In a metal bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until blended. Place the bowl on a rubber glove to keep it from skittering around . Gradually pour the hot half-and-half mixture into the yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

3- Return the mixture to the same saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring slowly and continuously with a rubber spatula, until the custard thickens and drawing a finger across it leaves a trail, about 5 minutes. Do not allow it to boil!

4-Set a sieve over a clean bowl. Pour the custard through the sieve. Add half of the crushed candy canes and stir until melted. Add the remaining 1 cup (250 ml) half-and-half and stir to combine. Chill thoroughly, 4 hours, or overnight.

5- Pour the custard into your ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add the remaining crushed candy cane during the final minutes of processing. Transfer the ice cream to a container; cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

Makes about 4-1/2 cups (1.1 l)


17 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Loooove treats and flavors that bring back nostalgia :-)

Anonymous said...

Indeed! Share the pleasure.
Your peppermint ice cream looks dreamy.
Going out for ice cream at our house was a huge treat, too. My childhood favourite was pineapple sherbet. But our dentist used to give us a prescription, after any dental work, for an ice cream at the next door soda fountain. They had raspberry ripple, and I fell in love with it. It was most exotic then, don't you know!
If they had peppermint, back then, I am sure I would have loved it better.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I remember peppermint icecream as a child especially over the holidays. I thionk my favourite is still stuck in my Canadian roots with maple walnut icecream:D

Anonymous said...

This looks yummy! I love peppermint ice cream. It reminds me of Christmas, but I could eat it any time of year!

NKP said...

I have about half a dozen candy canes sticking out of my big mortar and pestle, this would be a great way to use them, thanks!

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

Growing up home made ice cream was the everybody crank the ice cream treat occasion. I always wanted chocolate. We always seemed to get peppermint. I wanted chocolate. Now peppermint is my favorite.

Debbie said...

Peppermint ice cream is delicious. I can eat that any time!

Zesty Cook said...

Oh wow this looks amazing! This is my first comment on your blog... I am so impressed. Can't wait to see more.

zesty

Anonymous said...

Peppermint Ice cream is one of my all time favorite holiday desserts, but it is pretty expensive to buy at the store. I must try this out at my parent's some time. They would all enjoy it, I'm sure.

Thanks for posting this!

Homemade Heaven said...

That is the prettiest ice cream I have ever seen!

CookiePie said...

Yum - that looks beautiful and I bet it's delicious!

Dee Light said...

Yummy!! what a great way to use up all of those candy canes.

Marysol said...

Lynn, grasshopper pie ice cream has always been my favorite, but your Peppermint Ice Cream concoction would be equally dangerous to have around me.
And the soft pink color would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

Aimée said...

Such a pretty color--and good way to use up leftovers, too!

RecipeGirl said...

I just love to find Peppermint Ice Cream during the holidays. That and eggnog for sure! Looks so pretty :)

Maria said...

I made peppermint ice cream over the holidays, it was delicious. I love the pretty pink color of yours!

The Blonde Duck said...

Love this post! Stopped in to say hello!