National Ice Cream Month Recipe - Mint Chocolate Chip!

For a large portion of my life Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream was my favorite type of ice cream. Currently Coffee with Mini-Chips and Lavender Blueberry are my favorites, but since I've been sharing recipes for ice cream during National Ice Cream Month, I thought I'd share this one I found online, too. This rich, mint chocolate chip ice cream comes together easily. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 5 drops green food coloring (optional)
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate 

Instructions

1. Freeze the Bowl: Place your KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment bowl in the freezer for at least 15 to 24 hours before you plan to make the ice cream. It must be completely frozen solid. 
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl or pitcher, whisk together the heavy cream, half-and-half, sugar, salt, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and green food coloring (if using) until the sugar is dissolved. 
3. Chill: Place the ice cream mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours so it is completely chilled. 
4. Churn: Assemble your KitchenAid Stand Mixer with the Ice Cream Maker attachment. Turn the mixer to the lowest speed (Stir or Speed 1) and slowly pour the chilled ice cream base into the frozen bowl. Let it churn continuously for about 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. 
5. Add Chocolate: During the last 2-3 minutes of churning, slowly add in the chocolate chips so they are evenly distributed.
6. Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 3 hours to harden, or enjoy immediately as soft-serve. 

I thought it would be fun to share some Mint Chocolate Chip fun facts for you to share with the children you love - did you know . . . 

Royal Roots: This flavor hit the global stage in 1973 when culinary student Marilyn Ricketts created a dessert called "Mint Royale". She entered it into a contest, and it was served at the wedding of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips.  

An Original 31: It was one of the very original ice cream flavors introduced by Baskin-Robbins when the chain first started in 1945.  

The Menthol Effect: Mint contains menthol, which triggers cold-sensitive receptors on the tongue. This is why eating it gives your mouth an extra-cooling, tingling sensation.  

Global Ranking: According to surveys by the International Dairy Foods Association, mint chocolate chip consistently ranks as one of America's top 10 most popular ice cream flavors.  

Not Just Chips: While classic chocolate chips are the standard, many ice cream makers mix in liquid chocolate which hardens while churning, or add thick chocolate flakes and fudge swirls 

Different brands sometimes use different names for this ice cream. You might see it called chocolate chip mint or choco chip mint. Some simply call it mint 'n chip or just mint chip. In certain parts of the United States, like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, it has another fun name. People there often call it peppermint bon bon. 

Do your grands enjoy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream? If so, have them help you make some to enjoy together during National Ice Cream Month!