Mint Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream

If there is one flavor ice cream that I find hard to resist it is mint chocolate chip.  I love the fresh zing of the mint complemented by the sweet creaminess of the chocolate.  I decided that I would make this flavor this past week just for me and man was it delicious.  The family must have thought so too because I only got two scoops out the whole thing.  I wanted to kick this one up a notch from regular mint chocolate chip, so I chopped up Swiss dark chocolate and oreos to fold in at the end.  This is by far MY favorite ice cream flavor that we have made so far. 

This ice cream uses peppermint extract instead of vanilla.  I prefer the peppermint over pure mint extract because it tastes sweeter and brings the perfect brightness and a less toothpastey mint flavor.  Straight peppermint is a strong flavor so feel free to start with 1/2 tsp and add more as you like to your taste rather than the whole teaspoon.  It's easier to add than take away!  

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1-2 drops of green gel food coloring - optional
• 12 Oreos, crushed
• 2 to 3oz dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.  
2. Stir in the salt, heavy cream and peppermint extract, (whisk in the food coloring if you want it more green), cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. When ready to churn your ice cream, pour the ice cream base in to your ice cream maker and let it mix until thickened. (I do mine for about 15 minutes for a softer serve type ice cream.  If you want it thicker, let it go a bit longer.)  
4. Just before it's finished add the crushed Oreos and chopped chocolate and let it mix through.
5. Transfer the ice cream to an air tight container, put the top on and place in the freezer for a few hours.  
6. Scoop and serve!