Chocolate Ice Cream with Cornstarch

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture is hot but does not boil. This step will help dissolve the cocoa and allow the flavors to blend evenly.

In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water, making sure there are no lumps. Add the dissolved cornstarch to the milk and cocoa mixture, and stir well to combine all ingredients.

Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. This will take approximately 5 minutes. The cornstarch will act as a thickener and help give the ice cream a smooth, creamy texture.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla extract and chopped chocolate. Stir vigorously until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture. This will add an intense flavor and an even creamier texture to the ice cream.

Let the mixture cool at room temperature for a few minutes. Then cover with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the ice cream to prevent a film from forming on the top. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or until completely cold.

Once the mixture is cold, remove it from the refrigerator. You will notice that it has become thicker and silkier. Remove the plastic wrap and pour the mixture into your ice cream maker following the manufacturer's instructions. If you don't have an ice cream maker, don't worry. Here's how to make ice cream without one.

If you do not have an ice cream maker, place the mixture in a freezer-safe container. Put it in the freezer and leave it for about 1 hour.

After 1 hour, remove the container from the freezer and, using a hand blender or spoon, vigorously whisk the mixture to break up any ice crystals that have formed. This will help maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Return the mixture to the freezer and repeat this process every 30 minutes for the next 2-3 hours. This will prevent the formation of ice crystals and ensure that the ice cream has a perfect consistency.

Once the ice cream mixture has reached the desired texture, you can enjoy it immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for a firmer ice cream.

Serve generous portions of this delicious chocolate cornstarch ice cream in cones or bowls and enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts or caramel sauce.