Chocolate Ice Cream

1 c sugar

3 large eggs

1 c cocoa powder

1 1/2 c milk

1 c heavy cream

1 T vanilla extract

Place the sugar, eggs, and cocoa in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Bring the milk to a boil in a heavy medium saucepan. With the food processor running, slowly pour the hot milk into the chocolate mixture through the feed tube. Process until well blended. Pour the entire mixture back into the pan and place over low heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon until the custard thickens slightly. Be careful not to let the mixture to boil or the eggs will scramble. Remove from the heat and pour the hot chocolate custard through the strainer into a large, clean bowl. Allow the custard to cool slightly, then stir in the cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until cold or overnight.

Stir the chilled custard, then freeze in 1 or 2 batches in your ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's instructions. When finished, the ice cream will be soft but ready to eat. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Makes about 1 quart

VARIATIONS

Chocolate Banana Chip Ice Cream

Add 1/2 c chopped dried banana chips to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix the chips. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Chocolate Brittle Ice Cream

Add 1/2 c chopped peanut brittle to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix in the candy. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Chocolate Candy Bar or Cookie Ice Cream

Add 2 chopped candy bars or 1 c of chopped cookie of your choice to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix the candy. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Chocolate Cheesecake Ice Cream

Stir in 1/2 c no-bake cheesecake powder mix along with the cream and vanilla. Optional: add 1 cup crumbled cheesecake to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix the cake in. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

Chocolate Marshmellow Nut Ice Cream

Add 1/2 c mini-marshmallows and 1/2 c chopped toasted almonds or nut of your choice to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix in the marshmallows and nuts. Proceed with the recipe as directed.

German Chocolate Ice Cream

Add 1/2 c shredded sweetened coconut to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen. Allow the machine to mix in the coconut. Proceed with the recipe as directed. Swirl in 1/2 c caramel sauce into the finished ice cream. Take care not to over-swirl or the carmel will "melt" into the ice cream. Streaks of caramel should be visible.

Bruce Weinstein