Deep Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Food

DEEP DARK CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream over medium-low heat. With a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise; use the blunt edge of the knife to scrape out the "seeds" of the vanilla bean.
• Stir the seeds and bean pod into the milk/cream mixture. Simmer the milk/cream mixture over low heat for 30 minutes. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard it or rinse and reserve for another use.
• Combine the sugar, cocoa, eggs, and egg yolks in a medium bowl; using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat until thickened like mayonnaise.
• Measure out 1 cup of the hot milk/cream mixture. With the mixer on low speed, add the cup of hot milk/cream to the cocoa mixture in a slow, steady stream and mix until completely incorporated. Stir the chopped chocolate into the saucepan with the hot milk/cream. Stir the egg mixture into the hot milk/cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to resemble a chocolate pudding. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a bowl and stir in vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface of the chocolate mixture, and refrigerate until completely cooled.
• Pour the chilled custard into the freezer bowl, turn the machine on and let mix until thickened, about 25 to 30 minutes. 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.

DARK CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Melt chocolate in double boiler over hot (not boiling) water.
• Gradually whisk in milk, stir until smooth.
• Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Whisk eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
• Gradually whisk in sugar, then continue whisking 1 minute, until completely blended.
• Add the cream, vanilla, and salt; whisk.
• Add the chocolate mixture; blend well.
• Cover, chill, and freeze according to ice cream maker's directions.

DARK CHOCOLATE AND CARDAMOM ICE CREAM

Steps:

• Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water.
• Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Then crush the cardamom pods with the flat of the blade of the knife.
• Place the milk in a separate pan and heat to just under boiling point, then add the sugar, vanilla seeds, and cardamom pods. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Using a strainer to catch the crushed cardamom pods, pour the milk into the melted chocolate and stir. Add the cream, stir well, and leave to cool at room temperature.
• Once cool, pour into an ice-cream maker and churn following the manufacturer's instructions. Keep in the freezer until required.