Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches

Because 2012 has been such a hot, dry summer, I wanted to re-post this delicious, cooling mint ice cream sandwich from a few years ago. Even smelling mint makes you feel refreshed on a hot day!

Paired with fudge-y chocolate cookies, this mint ice cream makes an ideal combination. By the way, these fudge cookies are delicious on their own or with any other flavor ice cream you prefer.  If you like to grow mint in the summer, as I do, give this a try.

Note - never put mint in the ground - always grow it in a pot.  I learned the hard way a few years ago how invasive it can be - even here in Wisconsin.

Mint Chip and Fudge Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

Adapted from A Passion for Ice Cream by Emily Luchetti
~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Mint Chip Ice Cream

2-1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves
1 cup sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

In a medium, heavy saucepan, heat the cream, milk, mint, and 1/2 cup of the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until almost simmering.  Turn off the heat, cover pan, and steep the mint in the cream for 15 minutes.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and salt.  Slowly add the hot liquid into the eggs, whisking constantly so as not to make scrambled eggs.  When done, return the pan to the stove and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicon spatula, until it reaches 175F and lightly coats the back of the spoon.  Cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Chop the chocolate into very small pieces.  Put the chocolate in a bowl in the freezer.  Place the cooled ice cream base in an ice cream machine and mix according to machine directions until it resembles soft serve ice cream.  Place the ice cream in a freezable container and add the chocolate pieces and fold together.  Freeze for about 4 hours or longer.

Fudge Cookies

2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liner. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler over hot water.  Stirring occasionally until melted.  Let cool to room temperature.

Sift the flour and baking powder together and add the salt.  In a medium bowl, whip the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract until thickened with an electric mixer set on high speed.  Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture a little at a time until combined.  Stir in the flour mixture and let the batter rest for 5 minutes.  Drop large, heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading them to about 3" and leaving 2" between each cookie.  There should enough batter for about 20 cookies.  Bake for about 10 minutes or until the tops crack and are no longer shiny on top.  Allow to cool and then remove from the pans with a spatula. 

To assemble the sandwiches, top a cookie with a scoop of ice cream and top with a second cookie and gently press down to adhere.  This is easier if the ice cream isn't frozen solid.   Serve immediately or freeze until ready to serve.