Chocolate ice cream

Decadent Chocolate Ice Cream

Who can resist homemade chocolate ice cream? This simple and quick recipe will take you into a world of rich flavors and creamy textures, perfect for indulging your taste buds. Whether it's summer or a cool autumn day, a scoop of chocolate ice cream will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's discover together how to achieve this delight.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

- 3 egg yolks
- 200 ml milk
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 g sugar
- 150 g dark chocolate
- vanilla extract (to taste)

Brief History

Ice cream is a dessert that has evolved over time, being enjoyed in various forms and preparations since ancient times. From mixtures of ice and fruit to modern recipes with milk and cream, each culture has added a unique touch to this delight. Chocolate ice cream, in particular, has gained popularity due to the perfect combination of the bitterness of chocolate and the creamy sweetness of milk.

Preparation Technique

1. Whisk the egg yolks with sugar
In a bowl, add the 3 egg yolks. Using a whisk or mixer, start whisking the yolks together with the sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes a light-colored cream and doubles in volume (about 5-7 minutes). This process is essential for achieving an airy texture in the ice cream.

2. Melt the chocolate
In a small saucepan, add the 200 ml of milk and the 150 g of dark chocolate cut into small pieces. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is almost boiling. This step is crucial for ensuring an even integration of chocolate into the ice cream.

3. Combine the mixtures
Once the chocolate is melted, carefully pour the hot mixture over the egg yolk cream. Stir constantly to prevent the yolks from curdling. Once everything is combined, let the mixture cool. A trick I use is to place the bowl with the chocolate mixture into another bowl filled with ice water; this way, cooling will happen much faster.

4. Add the cream
After the mixture has completely cooled, whip the 200 ml of heavy cream until it becomes firm. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture using a spatula to maintain the trapped air. This will give the ice cream a fluffy and creamy texture.

5. Freezing
Transfer the mixture into suitable freezer containers. Leave to freeze for 1-1.5 hours. After this period, take the ice cream out and mix again with a mixer or spatula to break up the ice crystals. Repeat the freezing process until the ice cream is solid, about another 1-2 hours.

Helpful Tips

- Chocolate mix: You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter version, but dark chocolate provides a perfect balance between sweetness and bitterness.
- Variations: Experiment by adding ingredients like toasted nuts, shredded coconut, or a splash of espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Serving: This ice cream pairs perfectly with caramel sauce or fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries. Give it a special touch by adding a few fresh mint leaves for decoration.

Nutritional Benefits

Chocolate ice cream is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of antioxidants due to dark chocolate. Additionally, milk and cream provide a portion of calcium and protein, while the egg yolks contribute essential vitamins. However, consume in moderation, considering the caloric content. A 100 g serving of chocolate ice cream contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk, although the texture of the ice cream may vary.

2. How long can the ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks, but it's best to consume it as soon as possible to enjoy the fresh flavor.

3. How can I avoid ice crystals?
Make sure to mix the ice cream every hour during freezing to break up the ice crystals.

I hope this chocolate ice cream recipe becomes one of your favorites! Making ice cream at home is a satisfying experience and allows you to control the ingredients and flavors. Don't hesitate to share the final result with friends and family – no one can resist a scoop of chocolate ice cream made with love!