AMAZING MINT CHIP ICE CREAM

Don't we all dream of lounging around in our pjs eating ice cream on a weekday? Well, my boy Otis had Spring Break last week, and that is just what he did.

Otis can groove with some serious savory cooking and he is a master when it comes to chopping veg, but he also swoons for making sweets. Fresh Mint Chip Ice Cream seemed like a good way for us to celebrate the Easter Break, the green explosion of spring, and our bountiful backyard mint patch.

Otis says this is the best ice cream he has ever tasted (and we all know that 11-year-olds are ice cream experts!)  I personally think the whole recipe is quite dangerous. I found myself wanting to slurp the minty custard before I even froze the stuff - need I say more?


  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 packed cups fresh mint leaves
  • 5 egg yokes
  • 5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped and melted

Warm milk, 1 cup of cream, sugar, and salt in a medium sauce pan, over medium heat. Stir to melt sugar. When sugar has dissolved, add mint leaves to the pan. When everything is hot and steamy, remove the pan from the heat. Cover, and let the mint leaves steep in the warm milk for an hour.

After an hour of steeping, pour the minty milk mixture through a strainer into a medium mixing bowl. Using the back of a wooden spoon, press down on the mint in the strainer to release as much flavor as you can, then toss out the mint leaves and wash your strainer. Return infused milk to the medium sauce pan and rewarm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

(Pour the remaining cup of cream into a large mixing bowl. Place strainer over the top of the bowl, and set aside.)

Whisk egg yokes in a separate, smallish bowl. Pour a ladle or two of the warm infused milk into the yokes and whisk to integrate. Then pour all of the yokes into the sauce pan with the warmed minty milk. Stir continuously with a spatula and cook custard, over medium heat, until it begins to thicken. (Lebovitz says the mixture is done when it reaches 170 degrees, or is thick enough to coat the spatula.)

Pour custard through the strainer into the large mixing bowl holding the cream. Stir. Place mixing bowl over an ice bath and continue stirring until the custard has cooled. Transfer to a covered container. Refrigerate for two hours, or even overnight, then freeze in your ice cream maker, following the manufacturers instructions.

While your ice cream maker is working its magic, put a storage container into the freezer to chill.

When your ice cream machine is done, pull the chilled storage container from the freezer and drizzle some melted chocolate across the bottom. Then add some ice cream to the container. Then drizzle more chocolate over the ice cream. Use a spoon to break up the mixture and you will have nice broken streaks of chocolate (homemade chocolate chips!) running throughout the ice cream. Continue adding layers of ice cream and drizzled chocolate. Place your now marbleized ice cream into the freezer to firm up again before serving.

Enjoy!



My talented friend and fellow blogger, Phyllis Grant of Dash and Bella, recently posted a recipe for Mint Stracciatella Ice Cream. If you don't already follow her blog already, you should - everything she does is delish and I imagine her ice cream is no exception!

89 comments:

  1. Erin - I am impressed with your son's cooking prowess. I adore mint ice cream and to make it homemade - even better. David L makes the best ice cream and I love his ice cream book. You reminded me that I need to whip up a batch of ice cream soon. Hope you had a wonderful Easter!!!

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    1. Lisa, I couldn't believe how minty the ice cream was. If all of Lebovitz's ice creams are this good, I am really in trouble;)
      xo
      E

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  2. A wonderful ice cream! Great to hear that your son is is a good cook.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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    1. Yep, I am a lucky mom! It's so fun to be in the kitchen with my kiddos, especially when there is the leisurely pace of school vacation.
      xo
      E

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  3. I agree with Lisa, every Lebovitz ice cream recipe I've tried has been top-notch.

    I've always wanted to have freckles, but have to settle for the few I get on my nose during the summer. What a handsome model you have at your disposal - you can entice him with ice cream;)

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    1. Emma, I feel the same way about freckles, especially those cuties on the nose. My husband has 'em and passed them to both Otis and Lilah. They always make me smile.
      xo
      E

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  4. atmosteatsApril 09, 2012

    What a brilliant way to build your own, personalized chocolate chips in homemade ice cream. I love watching your son doing his Jackson Pollack imitation. The whole photographic experience speaks of spring.

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    1. Atmosteats, Chocolate Jackson Pollack - I like that:)

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  5. Dangerous ice cream recipes; those are the best, aren't they?
    I love eating ice creams all year round and this just made my list to make soon!

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    1. Magda, You will not be disappointed. Otis really was right - I haven't tasted a better ice cream!

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  6. Yes for the fresh mint! The first time I had mint cc ice cream with fresh mint was from a food truck here in LA. It's really the only way!

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    1. Adrianna, the flavor was amazing! You would love this stuff:)

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  7. Damn I love some mint ice cream, made from fresh mint!

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    1. It is ridiculously good! Now I'm happy that mint has taken over my backyard garden;)

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  8. Fresh mint....how delicious and fresh in home made ice cream!

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  9. Snuggly PJs and homemade mint chip ice-cream...sign me up!

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    1. Me too! That kid of mine is living the life.

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  10. That is very interesting technique for making chocolate chips. I never would have thought of that. Thank you.

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    1. I know. I love this technique and I can only thank David Lebovitz for the inspiration.

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  11. oh boy!!! this looks and sounds amazing!
    I consider myself an ice cream expert as well, so my mouth is salivating like hell now :DDD

    pretty photos!

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    1. M, you would LOVE this recipe! The minty flavor cannot be beat. I too am salivating and needing to make another batch;)
      xo
      E

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  12. Our weather here is so fine. Now is the time for ice cream! Mint chip reminds me of the old days of 31 flavors. Yum.

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  13. Totally Sam:) 31 Flavors chocolate chip mint is a childhood favorite of mine too. You've gotta try this fresh mint recipe - you cannot imagine how good it is!

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  14. I've sworn this is the year I will get myself an ice cream maker - if only to replicate this ice cream. Looks like some serious goodness going on!

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    1. Renee, An ice cream maker is a really nice tool to have - makes life so easy. But you can also make ice cream without one. Have you tried?
      This recipe is so worth making... it's delish!
      xo
      E

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  15. Looks almost too dangerous for me. But key word is "almost." Must try. Soon.
    And LOVE the close-up of Otis!
    Sarah

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    1. Sarah, Thanks! You won't be disappointed.

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  16. Ok, so mint chip ice cream in my absolute favorite. And you have taken it to a new level. Delicious and seemingly nutritious as well. I LOVE this blog and all the offerings is brings to my table and my tummy. Yummy!

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    1. Anonymous, what a sweet note. I'm honored to make your tummy happy:)

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  17. Oh Erin, I am salivating at this recipe. I have not yet tried it but just seeing the photos and reading about Otie lounging around in his pj's is enough to make me ready to shop the ingredients tomorrow morning! Thank you for another enticing blog, you are my inspiration....

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  18. Oh Erin, your ice cream looks divine. I'd have to say mint chip ice cream is my all time favourite, and I've been meaning to try David Lebovitz's recipe for some time, so thanks for the reminder.

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    1. Jennifer, the recipe is brilliant. He really nailed it! I'm sure you'll love it.
      xo
      E

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  19. Oooh I LOVE this recipe!! It's so delicious, I made it the summer before last with some homemade cones. So it's good to see you've found it! (And yes, you are in trouble - I've never made a dud Lebovitz ice cream!) Love the photos too.

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    1. Emma, isn't it AWESOME? I really do think it is dangerous to have around, but I think we will not resist making it again and again;)
      xo
      E

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  20. I've made David's mint chip ice cream before so I know how good this tastes! Plus you've managed to make it look even more delicious in your photos. Could happily eat a big bowl of this right now...yum!

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    1. thelittleloaf, I wish I could share a bowl with you:)
      xo
      E

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  21. This and that stracciatella would be winners here. My husband eats mint chocolate ice cream every night. I'm sure it would awesome with fresh mint.

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    1. Angela, I bet your husband would be thrilled with this recipe. For mint chip lovers, this is dreamy good:)

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  22. Ice cream is one of my favorit Yum Yums. I so regret giving my ice cream maker away but I could only take so much with me when I moved. Chocolate chip is one of my favorits (I just love ice cream). I will have to try this out this summer (the plan is to save for another maker, do you have a favorite?) and when my son comes to visit....make a large batch of Coconut Milk Chocolate chip ice cream (dairy free).

    Pictures are wonderful...love the speckled nose..what a handsome child.

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    1. Oli, I would love to make coconut milk ice cream - do you have a recipe you like. Coconut Bliss is so delish - if only I could make that at home.
      In terms of an ice cream maker, I have an old Krups that works just fine, but I don't know the best ones out there now. And you may want to check this out... http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2007/07/making-ice-crea-1/. You can also make ice cream without a machine. I've done sherbet this way and it was awesome!
      xo
      E

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    2. And thanks for the nice words about my boy:)

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  23. Now, this may sound super weird to you .. I am not a ice fan at all !!
    I love the flavor profile you used and I might try it just on custard :)

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    1. Kankana, I think a custard would be awesome with the fresh mint. I really did have to keep myself from drinking the custard before we froze it;)
      xo
      E

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  24. Mint chip ice cream is a favorite in our house. Looking forward to trying this one too. Thanks for yet another wonderful recipe!!

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    1. Ann, you are so welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

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  25. we love mint chocolate chip ice cream, and yours sounds absolutely delicious with the use of fresh mint leaves! definitely trying this soon!

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    1. Hey Jenn, let me know what you think:)
      Enjoy!

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  26. This ice cream looks amazing! Mint chocolate chip was by far my favorite as a child. And, I still love it!

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    1. Laura, Totally! When we'd hit the ice cream shop when I was a kid, it was always mint chip for me too:)
      -E
      P.S.I am so loving your blog. You cook my kind of food.

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  27. Renee and jasperApril 10, 2012

    We LOVE Otis and his mama's cooking as well!!!

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    1. Ohhhhhh Renee and Jazzy. So fun to get your note. Wish we could invite you over for ice cream right now.
      We miss you guys.
      xxxxxxxooooo
      E

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  28. My boyfriend loves mint. He would totally love this! Oh, and I adore that dessert spoon, too. So pretty.

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    1. Leaf, your guy is gonna love this recipe - I think you might too;)

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  29. I have to say, I'm a recent convert to mint chip ice cream. I never liked the store-bought variety, but homemade with fresh mint is a different story entirely! Ah, to spend a day sitting around and eating ice cream...

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    1. Lisa, my boy knows how to do it up. I could barely get him out of those pjs all week!

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  30. How adorable to hear of a teen making ice cream on Spring Break. My son enjoys being in the kitchen too...not all the time...but if there are sweets involved. Love the little sprinkle of freckles!

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    1. Sarah, Don't you love having your kids in the kitchen! I am still so happy to cook alongside my own mom. Simple joys, right?

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  31. So adorable! And I am so into this ice-cream flavours. I haven't had it for so long.

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  32. Beautiful photos and mint choc chic is my favourite!

    Anna x

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  33. It looks really yummy! I think I would be fighting over the last scoop with my son (how bad is that?)

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  34. Anh, I'm wondering if mint chip ice cream is as popular in Australia as it in America? Here it is such a kid favorite. Always nice to hear from you!

    Anna, I hope you give the recipe a try. As a mint chip lover, you deserve it:)

    Delicious Shots, I think it's fair game when it comes to good ice cream...every man, woman, or kid, for himself;)

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  35. This looks absolutely amazing! I know that I have to try it asap!

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    1. Stepahnie, this is so your kind of recipe! And your adorable stamped ice cream spoons will be put to good use;)
      xo
      E

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  36. I have always thought mint to be charming...This is fantastic!

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  37. Such beautiful photos Erin! Wish I could share a bowl or two with you guys :-)

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  38. My Fudo, I'm charmed by mint too - it's such a versatile ingredient.

    Emma, Thank you! I'd love to share some of this ice cream with you and your gang. Too bad we didn't know each other when I came to your side of the globe:)

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  39. This looks absolutely delicious! Makes me wish I could have ice cream.

    I agree with MyFudo I've always found mint to be charming with it's versatility.

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    1. Thanks Heather! Are you dairy free? I keep wanting to experiment with making coconut milk ice cream. Maybe that would work for you:)
      E

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  40. I trust Otis' judgment completely here. This ice cream looks phenomenal! I made a fresh mint ice cream last summer and I still catch myself craving it from time to time.

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    1. Kathryn, Otis wasn't kiddin'... the ice cream is incredibly good. Isn't there something unbeatable about the fresh mint flavor? I'm sold on the stuff.
      -E

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  41. I want to have a bowl of that right now. This is a recipe I must try.

    Do you think it matters if I use peppermint or spearmint?

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    1. Anette, good question. I think either peppermint or spearmint would be great here. Enjoy!

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  42. I don't have an ice cream maker, but I must confess that the first idea that popped into my head upon reading this post was a mint flan.

    After all, ice cream and flan are custards, no?

    Thanks Erin, for the idea! (and an ice cream maker will likely be my Xmas gift to myself, or a toy for later in the year)

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    1. Hey Stash,
      An ice cream maker is a nice tool to have around, but not necessary - especially if space is limited in your kitchen. Have you seen this post where David Lebovitz talks about making ice cream without a machine:
      http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2007/07/making-ice-crea-1/
      But yes, a minty flan would be so good! I'm telling you - that custard was so delish!
      Have a great weekend,
      E

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  43. I want to be Otis! Can I? Oh, puhleeze?? ;)
    Ice cream while in pjs is the ultimate comfort.

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    1. Carolyn, Me too! I wanna be like my boy - he really does know how to live the good life;)

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  44. Sam WallanApril 26, 2012

    I will HAVE TO MAKE THIS!!

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    1. Sam, So fun to get your comment:)You should come to our house sometime and make it with Otis!

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    2. Sure! Your website is Very Cool, and so are you photographs! They Make all the food look delicious! Do you use photoshop?

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    3. Thanks Sam! I do use photoshop, but mostly Lightroom for my processing. Are you into photography?

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  45. I've never made ice cream before, I always thought it was too complicated. After reading this recipe, I think I might be able to tackle it.
    Yum!! You are a genuis

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    1. Hi Amy, Give it a try. Not only is the recipe not too hard, it is ridiculously good:) I hope you enjoy.

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  46. This was my first attempt at making ice cream. It is divine! I made it soy based (soy milk and soy cream) so I wasn't sure if it was going to work but it did!

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    1. Great! I'm so glad the recipe worked with soy milk. Thanks so much for letting me know:)

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  47. Thanks so much for this tutorial! I did this for a friends wedding party and it worked jolly good. It lasts the whole evening ;-)

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  48. After I read this post, I think I might be able to do it. But the problem is I don't have an ice cream maker. :)

    gustavo woltmann

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So good to hear from you... I appreciate each and every note you leave for me!

Thanks,
E