Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Makes 1-1/4 quarts

This chocolate ice cream recipe is so easy and delicious, and it all comes together very quickly. It is also very versatile in that you can use any kind of chocolate. I love dark chocolate, so I use bittersweet. Most people probably prefer using semisweet. If you are into milk chocolate, use that but you might want to cut back on the amount of sugar. No matter what chocolate you use, making homemade ice cream is fun and it tastes much better than most store-bought brands. Unless you want a soft serve ice cream, plan to make this one day ahead so it has time to mature in the freezer. This recipe can be made in a crank-style or electric ice cream maker.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 6 ounces semisweet, bittersweet or milk chocolate
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Pour the milk into a small microwavable bowl. Add the chocolate and microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well and continue to microwave for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, depending on microwave wattage, stirring occasionally until chocolate is melted. Place in refrigerator until well chilled.

Place all ingredients, including the chilled chocolate in ice cream maker bowl. Stir well until sugar is dissolved. Taste for desired sweetness, adding a little more sugar if desired. Process according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serve immediately for soft serve, or place in container and freeze to mature, at least one day. Place in refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.