For this Candy Cane and Peppermint Schnapps Ice Cream recipe you will need an ice cream maker. I have a KitchenAid stand mixer and they have an attachment for this. The ice cream maker attachments go on sale regularly, so keep an eye out. You also need to keep the attachment in the freezer at least 24 hours before you make your ice cream. If you have room for it and make ice cream often, just leave the attachment in the freezer until you are ready to use it. You can use any ice cream maker you like, this is just the one I have.

Why make candy cane and peppermint schnapps ice cream? Well, I had candy canes and was given two mini bottles of peppermint schnapps as a part of a Christmas gift. Neither my wife or I drink schnapps, so I thought why not make ice cream.

Ingredients for Candy Cane and Peppermint Schnapps Ice Cream

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp peppermint schnapps
• 4-5 candy canes, crushed in to small bits

How to make Candy Cane and Peppermint Schnapps Ice Cream

1. In a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat, combine milk and cream. Heat until just under a boil.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk sugar and egg yolks to combine.
3. Slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of the milk and cream into the mixing bowl with the sugar and yolks. You are just trying to temper the eggs, be careful not to scramble them.
4. Once the mixture is smooth and combined, add this back to the sauce pan. Whisk constantly and cook until the back of a spoon stays coated.
5. Remove the ice cream base from the heat. Allow to cool to room temperature. Cover with cling wrap and push down to remove any air. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
6. Remove the ice cream base from the refrigerator and pour into your ice cream maker. Process for 15-20 minutes. Add the peppermint schnapps, peppermint and vanilla extract and crushed candy canes. NOTE: if you want little bits of candy cane in your ice cream, wait to add some of the crushed candy cane until just before the ice cream is done processing.
7. Continue processing for another 10-15 minutes, until the ice cream has your desired consistency. The ice cream will be a soft-serve state. Add the ice cream to air tight containers and freeze overnight or enjoy as is.
8. Enjoy!