Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chewy Chocolate Cookies

1-1/4 c butter or margarine, softened
2 c sugar
2 large eggs
2 t vanilla extract
2 c all-purpose flour
3/4 c cocoa
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 c chopped pecans

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.Add eggs and vanilla, beating until well blended.

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; gradually add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended after each addition. Stir in pecans.

Shape dough into 1-1/2" balls and place on lightly greased baking sheets.

Bake in 350F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Cool in pan 1 minute; remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 20 cookies (10 Ice Cream Sandwiches)

Old-Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream

6 large eggs, lightly beaten
2-1/3 c sugar
4 c milk
2 c half-and-half
1/4 t salt
2-1/2 T vanilla extract
3 c whipping cream

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, 25 to 30 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats a spoon; chill.*(See Note below)
Stir in half-and-half and remaining ingredients; pour into freezer container of a 5-quart hand-turned or electric freezer.

Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

Serve immediately, or spoon into an airtight container and freeze until firm.

Yield: 3-1/2 quarts

To Make Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Spread ten thoroughly cooled cookies with 1/4 cup vanilla ice cream (or preferred flavor), top with remaining cookies to form sandwich. Wrap individually and freeze until firm

*Note: Can use the microwave for cooking custard mixes, as required above. Microwave in one-minute increments and stir; when beginning to thicken microwave in 30-second increments to insure a smooth mixture which is not overcooked. Much, much easier and quicker than standing for half an hour at the stove.

Both recipes from "Southern Living" Magazine