Homemade Peanut Butter Chip Ice Cream

Did you know that today, September 13th, is National Peanut Day? Neither did I until several of the various food blog and websites that I frequently visit mentioned it today. Even though my peanut butter chip ice cream recipe does not directly contain peanuts, they're obviously in there somewhere since this recipe involves peanut butter. ;-) So I thought it was fitting that I share this recipe with you today!

As you may know, if you read my last Friday Favorites post, I received an ice cream maker from Mike for my birthday in August. Hooray! I've been wanting one. :)

Last week we made our first batch together. Peanut butter chip was our flavor of choice! We used a recipe right from the Cuisinart booklet that came with the machine.

Ingredients:

-1 cup peanut butter (not natural)

-2/3 cup granulated sugar

-1 cup whole milk

-2 cups heavy cream

-1 tsp. vanilla extract

-3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or whatever type of chips you choose)

Instructions:

In a medium mixing bowl on low speed, combine the peanut butter and sugar until smooth. Add the milk and mix on low speed until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.

Turn on your ice cream maker, and pour the mixture into the freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Five minutes before mixing is completed, add the chips through the top and let mix completely. The ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.

This whole process was so fun! I've never made homemade ice cream like this before. :-D

Mike and I both agreed that this ice cream was deeelicious. However, beware; it is on the rich side. A small serving was all each of us could handle! And that's better for our waist lines anyway. ;-) But we really really enjoyed it, and we've also been enjoying it a few more times since we made it last week... We tried it immediately when it was ready and still on the softer side as far as ice cream goes. I loved the texture of it at that stage!! It's also great as a hard ice cream though after it's frozen longer. Either way = a tasty, homemade treat!

My sister gave me this great ice cream cookbook pictured below for my birthday... As we speak, I have pumpkin ice cream in the works! Can't wait to try it. If it's yummy, you'll see it here on the blog ASAP. I could not wait to make something pumpkin-y!! I couldn't hold it in any longer. That can of pumpkin in the pantry just had to be used. You can bet there will be a lot more baking with pumpkin this fall!!!

:)