Peppermint Ice Cream - A Christmas Tradition

A couple years ago ,when I had a lot of time on my hands, before a husband and kids, I came up with the idea of making home made Peppermint Ice Cream .  I made a total of 2 gallons.  This was enough to feed party members at three different family Christmas parties.  Let me tell you....it went over extremely well!  In fact it went over so well that people were going back for seconds!  Now every year I make 2 gallons of home made Peppermint Ice Cream because all these family members have waited one whole year for it!  I cannot blame them...because I too have waited one whole year to try this super special Christmas ice cream tradition.  I use two different ice cream makers: one is an electric one where I don't have to do any work, the second is a hand crank version.  Both are extremely easy to use.  Please try this recipe it really is heaven on a spoon!


PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM 

* This recipe makes one gallon
** Please be aware that this recipe is a two day process...so start it with enough time for a day or two of
     freezing.

• 14 oz. peppermint stick candy
• 10 cups half and half cream
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 6 or 7 oz. additional peppermint sticks, crushed

1. Break 14 oz. of peppermint stick candy into pieces.  Place in a quart jar.
2. Add 2 cups half and half and allow to dissolve overnight.
3. The next day, combine remaining cream and sugar, stirring constantly until sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Stir in vanilla, salt and crushed peppermint. 
5. Combine with dissolved candy, stirring until completely blended.
6. Pour into frozen ice cream make canister (may have to do in batches depending on the size of your ice-cream maker canister).
7. Follow directions to your ice-cream maker on how to make ice-cream.  Either elecric or hand turn.
8. Once ice cream is finished place in containers and place in freezer for at least one day.

*Recipe Courtesy of Mormon Chic