Ben & Jerry's Dastardly Mash Ice Cream
Posted by: Elaine  Mon, 26 Apr 2004, at 4:26 a.m.
 

1/2 cup raisins
1 cup water
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup roasted almonds, salted, whole
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream, or whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Soak the raisins in 1 cup water overnight in the refrigerator.

The next day, drain the raisins well and combine them with the pecans, almonds and chocolate chips in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.

Melt the unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler over hot, not boiling, water. Gradually whisk in the cocoa and heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. (If the chocolate clumps or "seizes", don't worry - the milk will dissolve it). Whisk in the milk, a little at a time, and heat until blended. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more. Pour in the cream and vanilla, and whisk to blend. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cream mixture and blend. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1 to 3 hours, depending on your refrigerator.

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer's directions. After the ice cream stiffens (about 2 minutes before it is done), add the raisin mixture, then continue freezing until done. Makes 1 quart.