My first ice cream experiment was mint chocolate chip…not the easiest of ice cream recipes. Naturally, it was an utter failure.

Not having the muscle memory for heavy cream warming, mint seeping, custard skimming and water bath stirring, I completely ruined about an hour’s worth of hard work by dipping the bowl of ice cream into a bowl of ice water.
Doh!
Pouting and frustrated sighs ensued.

It’s been a year or so since I started attempting homemade ice creams. Since Andrew’s birthday was last week and mint chocolate chip is his favorite flavor, it seemed like a great time to give it another go.

I tried a different recipe this time – from my new favorite cookbook – and the end result was ah. may. zing. When your husband says it’s the hands-down best ice cream he’s ever had and he’s not drunk, trying to sweet talk you or get himself out of trouble, you know you’ve done well.

Since I messed things up so badly the first time, let me walk you through the steps…