MINT ICE CREAM

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat the sugar into the eggs until thickened and pale yellow; beat in the cornstarch and set aside.
• Bring the half-and-half to a simmer in a saucepan.
• Slowly beat the hot half-and-half into the egg mixture.
• Pour the entire mixture back into the pan and place over low heat.
• Stir constantly using a whisk or wooden spoon until the custard thickens slightly (be careful not to let the mixture boil or the eggs will scramble).
• Remove from the heat and pour the hot custard through a strainer into a large, clean bowl.
• Let the custard cool slightly, the stir in the cream, peppermint extract, and food coloring; cover and refrigerate until cold or overnight.
• Stir the chilled custard, then freeze in 1 or 2 batches in an ice cream maker by following the manufacturer's directions.
• When finished, the ice cream will be soft but ready to eat; for firmer ice cream, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze several hours.
• *After-Dinner Mint Ice Cream: add ¾ cup chopped chocolate-covered mint candies to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen; allow the machine to mix in the candy; proceed as directed.
• *Grasshopper Pie Ice Cream: add ½ cup white creme de cacao to the custard before freezing; proceed as directed, adding ½ cup crushed chocolate wafers to the machine when the ice cream is semifrozen; allow the machine to mix in the wafers.