Designer ice cream brands can be pricey and might not always have exactly what you want...not enough nuts, teeny-tiny chocolate chips and so on. Why not save a little money and make your own custom blend at home using your very own ice cream maker? You know you always wanted one!

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream has always been a favorite of mine. The beauty of making your own is that you control the size and quantity of chocolate chips. Chunks or shavings, a lot or a little, you make the call!

*You will need an ice cream maker for this recipe. Be sure to pre-freeze your freezer bowl if necessary.

2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1 cup whole milk, chilled
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. peppermint extract
a few drops of green food coloring (optional)
3 oz. of dark chocolate, cut into chunks, chips or shavings (I consider this to be more than enough chocolate, but who am I?)

Be sure to pre-freeze your freezer bowl if necessary. Combine cream, milk, sugar, peppermint extract and food coloring in a large bowl until well blended. Freeze mixture using an ice cream maker according to manufacturers directions. Add chocolate chips/chucks 5 minutes before the end of the cycle.