CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT GELATO WITH FRANGELICO

Steps:

• Combine milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar in a 2-quart microwave safe bowl. Cook in the microwave on high heat for 10-12 minutes, whisking with a wire whisk every two minutes, until mixture just begins to boil; set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, use a hand held electric mixer to whisk the egg yolks with 1/4 cup sugar until pale yellow and thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually pour 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly; then use a heatproof spatula to scrape the warmed egg yolks back into the bowl of warm milk, whisking thoroughly to combine.
• Heat mixture in microwave on high heat for about 3-6 minutes, whisking every minute or two, until mixture thickens enough to coat the wire whisk (but do not boil or the eggs mixture will curdle). Note: At this stage you can strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer, but I never do.
• Remove from microwave and stir in the vanilla extract, vanilla seeds, Frangelico and the hazelnut spread until it dissolves; mix thoroughly.
• Let sit at room temperature until cooled, then cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight until mixture is completely chilled. Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer's instructions. Note: If you don't have an ice cream or gelato maker, place into freezer and stir every 30 minutes until creamy and set, about 4 hours.
• Spoon into small dessert dishes and serve the gelato topped with crushed hazelnuts and chocolate-hazelnut cream filled wafers. Enjoy!