Vanilla Ice Cream - April 2011 at Maria's house

Vanilla Ice Cream

2 1/2 c. sugar
4 eggs
6 T. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. salt
6 c. milk
1 1/2 T. good vanilla (or to taste)
2 c. whipping cream
2 c. half & half

In a large saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and eggs until well blended. Stir in milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and just comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Just before freezing, stir in whipping cream and half & half, and freeze according to ice cream freezer's directions. Makes 1 gallon.

For vanilla bean ice cream: Split a vanilla bean and cook with custard. When ready to freeze, remove vanilla bean and scrape out seeds into custard. Freeze as usual.

For chocolate ice cream: add 3+ T. cocoa powder to sugar mixture and proceed as usual.