It is hard to beat Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream.  You can make delicious chocolate ice cream at home.

Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Ice Cream

Yield: 1 quart.

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pinch salt

Gradually whisk in the milk and heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes.

Whisk in the sugar, a little at a time, then continue whisking until completely blended, about 1 minute more.

Add the cream, vanilla and salt and whisk to blend. Pour the chocolate mixture into the cream mixture and blend. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 1-3 hours, depending on your refrigerator.

Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions.

VARIATION: Chocolate Almond- Add 1 cup roasted whole almonds (salted or unsalted) after the ice cream stiffens, about 2 minutes before it is done, then continue to freeze until the ice cream is ready.