Chocolate ICE Cream

Remove from the heat; strain (the butter will have a pecan flavour and may be reserved for another use). Allow the pecans to cool completely. Add the toasted buttered pecans during the last 5 minutes of mixing.

Cookies & Cream: Add 1/4 – 1/3 cup (50-75 ml) coarsely chopped cookies (chocolate chips, Oreos®, Mint Oreos®, chocolate covered graham crackers, etc.) during the last 5 minutes of mixing.

Candy & Cream: Roughly chop enough of your favourite candy bar (Heath®, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups®, KitKat®, etc.) to make 1/4 - 1/3 cup (50-75 ml) of chopped candy or measure 1/3 cup (75 ml) of your favourite M&M® candies; refrigerate until ready to use. Add the chopped candy during the last 5 minutes of mixing.

Choose your favourite brand of dark chocolate to make this yummy.

Preparation: about 1 hour (active time about 5 - 10 minutes), plus 20 - 25 minutes chilling time, optional 2 hours to “ripen”.

Makes eight 1/2-cup (125 ml) servings.

3/4 cup (175 ml) whole milk

1/3 cup (75 ml) granulated sugar

4-6 ounces (113-170 g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, broken into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) pieces

1-1/2 cups (375 ml) heavy cream, well chilled

1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

Heat the whole milk until it is just bubbling around the edges (this may be done on the stovetop or in a microwave). In a blender, or food processor fitted with the metal blade, pulse to process the sugar with the chocolate until the chocolate is very finely chopped. Add the hot milk; process until well blended and smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl and let the chocolate mixture cool completely. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla to taste. Chill for 30 minutes or longer.

Turn the machine ON, pour mixture into freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes. The ice cream will have a soft creamy texture. If desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer until firm, about 2 hours to “ripen”.

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories 309 (69% from fat) • carb. 23g • pro. 3g • fat 25g sat. fat 15g • chol. 64mg • sod. 29mg • calc. 63mg • fiber 1g

VARIATIONS:

Chocolate Almond: Add 1/3 teaspoon (1.4 ml) pure almond extract along with the vanilla. Add 1/4 – 1/3 cup (50-75 ml) chopped toasted almonds or chopped chocolate-coated almonds during the last 5 to 10 minutes of freezing.

Chocolate Cookie: Add 1/4 – 1/3 cup (50-75 ml) chopped cookies (chocolate chip or chocolate sandwich, chocolate mint, chocolate covered graham crackers, etc.) during the last 5 minutes of freezing. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2 hours before serving.

Chocolate Fudge Brownie: Add 1/4 – 1/3 cup (50-75 ml) chopped day old brownies during the last 5 minutes of freezing. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2 hours before serving.

Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl: When removing the ice cream to a container for freezing, layer it with dollops of your favourite chocolate sauce and scoops of marshmallow crème (Fluff). Freeze at least 2 hours before serving.

FRESH STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM

Fresh strawberry ice cream is particularly good when made with farm fresh summer berries.

Preparation: 5 – 10 minutes, plus 2 hours for the strawberries to macerate, 20 – 25 minutes chilling time. Optional 2 hours to “ripen”.

Makes eight servings.

4ounces (113 g) fresh ripe strawberries, stemmed and sliced

1tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice

2/3 cup (150 ml) sugar, divided

3/4 cup (175 ml) whole milk

1-1/2 cups (375 ml) heavy cream

3/4 teaspoon (3 ml) pure vanilla extract

In a small bowl, combine the strawberries with the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the sugar, stir gently, and allow the strawberries to macerate in the juices for 2 hours.

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or a whisk to combine the milk and granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes on low speed. Stir in the heavy cream, any accumulated juices from the strawberries and vanilla. Turn the machine ON, pour mixture into freezer bowl, and let mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add the sliced strawberries during the last 5 minutes of freezing. The ice cream will have a soft creamy texture. If desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer until firm, about 2 hours to “ripen”.

ICE-40BKC specifications

The Cuisinart ICE-40BKC is a standout appliance in the world of home ice cream makers, designed to transform simple ingredients into creamy, delicious frozen treats with ease. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned home chef, this machine offers an array of features that make homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt more accessible than ever.

One of the most notable characteristics of the ICE-40BKC is its fully automatic operation. This model eliminates the need for pre-freezing a bowl or complex setups. The machine comes equipped with a built-in compressor, allowing it to freeze and churn the mixture simultaneously. This innovative technology means you can make multiple batches of ice cream back-to-back without waiting for cooling periods, perfect for entertaining guests or satisfying a sudden craving.

The unit features a spacious 1.5-quart capacity, which is ideal for families or gatherings. The large bowl ensures that you can create ample servings, catering to everyone’s tastes. Its elegant design, complete with a sleek black exterior, complements any kitchen décor while also being easy to store away when not in use.

An intuitive control panel is another highlight of the ICE-40BKC, making it incredibly user-friendly. With just a push of a button, you can begin the ice cream-making process. The machine also includes a transparent lid, allowing users to monitor the mixing process without interrupting it. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring the perfect consistency while churning.

The Cuisinart ICE-40BKC is designed with versatility in mind. It can prepare a wide range of frozen desserts, including dairy-free options, allowing users to customize flavors and ingredients to suit dietary preferences. The straightforward operation means that even those unfamiliar with ice cream making can achieve professional-quality results with minimal effort.

Cleaning is also a breeze with this ice cream maker. Many of its components are removable and dishwasher-safe, which significantly reduces the hassle of post-dessert cleanup.

In conclusion, the Cuisinart ICE-40BKC combines modern technology, ease of use, and elegant design to deliver an exceptional home ice cream making experience. Whether you are crafting classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or refreshing fruit flavors, this appliance makes the process enjoyable and rewarding.