CHOCOLATE ALMOND ICE CREAM

Steps:

• In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water; let stand for at least 2 minutes. In a large heavy saucepan, heat milk to 175°; stir in sugar and salt. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour a small amount of hot mixture into eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture reaches at least 160° and coats the back of a metal spoon.
• Remove from the heat. Stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved; stir in chocolate until blended. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in cream and vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
• Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full with chilled custard; freeze according to manufacturer's directions. Stir in toasted almonds. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze. Allow to ripen in refrigerator freezer for 2-4 hours before serving.