PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM PIE: Perfect for the Holidays!

When I was little, we went on long turnpike rides to visit family during the holidays. On the way, we always stopped at Howard Johnson's, the roadside retreat, and my treat was Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. It didn't matter what the weather was like outside, that Peppermint Ice Cream was delicious -- rich and creamy, filled with lots of crunchy peppermint pieces. It was served in simple cones then, but this recipe for Peppermint Ice Cream Pie takes it one step further. This is a great last minute dessert when you have unexpected company during the holidays--or plan on it!

Even though it's freezing outside, this shouldn't keep you from making this simple delicious Peppermint Ice Cream Pie. As a matter of fact, now's the time to make this when the Limited Edition flavors hit the frozen dairy case. Dreyer's Ice Cream (Edy's in the Midwest and on the East Coast) has a very good Peppermint Ice Cream. Fenton's, a local favorite, has terrific Peppermint Ice Cream, too. Of course, you can use any Peppermint Ice Cream you like! You can even make your own! Scroll down for an easy no-churn recipe for Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. 

Tip: Be sure and put the pie crust in the freezer rather than refrigerator for an hour before filling, so it doesn't get soggy.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

Peppermint Oreo Pie Crust

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups of crushed Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joes (oreo-like with peppermint filling), finely crushed (whirl in a blender or put in plastic bag and use rolling pin)
2 1/2 ounces of melted unsalted butter

Directions

Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl.
Pour mixture into 9 inch pie pan and press into the bottom and up the sides evenly.
Smooth surface with the back of a spoon.
Freeze pie crust for at least an hour.

Filling:
1 carton (1.5 quarts) Peppermint Ice Cream  (leave out for 10-15 minutes to soften) 

(or make your own: See below.)
2 candy canes, crushed

Directions:
Spread softened ice cream evenly on frozen crust.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Freeze for several hours until firm.
Cut into wedges to serve.

NO CHURN PEPPERMINT STICK ICE CREAM

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream 

1/2 tsp peppermint extract 

Crushed candy canes

1/2 cup sugar 

Directions

Put cream, extract, and sugar in blender.  

Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Fold in crushed candy canes.

Pour in freezer safe container. Freeze for 4-6 hours.

PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM PIE

When I was little, we went on long turnpike rides to visit family at the holidays. We always stopped at Howard Johnson's, the roadside retreat, on the way, and my treat was Peppermint Stick ice cream. It didn't matter what the weather was like outside, that Peppermint Ice Cream was delicious--rich and creamy filled with lots of crunchy peppermint pieces. It was served in simple cones then, but this recipe for Peppermint Ice Cream Pie takes it one step further.

It's cold outside but  that shouldn't keep you from making this simple delicious Peppermint Ice Cream Pie. As a matter of fact, now's the time to make this when the Limited Edition flavors hit the frozen dairy case.  Dreyer's Ice Cream (Edy's in the Midwest and on the East Coast) has a very good Peppermint Ice Cream. Fenton's, a local favorite, has terrific Peppermint Ice Cream.

So here's another Peppermint and Chocolate recipe that's simple to make and great to serve and eat! This is a simple alternative to the Chocolate Peppermint Pie recipe I posted on Friday. And, of course, you can use any Peppermint Ice Cream you like! You can even make your own!

I've changed the Peppermint Oreo Pie Crust recipe a bit. Put it into the freezer rather than refrigerator for an hour before filling, so it doesn't get soggy.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pie

Peppermint Oreo Pie Crust
2 1/4 cups of crushed Trader Joe's Candy Cane Joe Joes (oreo-like with peppermint filling), finely crushed (whirl in a blender or put in plastic bag and use rolling pin)
2 1/2 ounces of melted sweet butter

1. Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl
2. Pour mixture into 9 inch pie pan and press into the bottom and up the sides evenly
3. Smooth surface with the back of a spoon
4. Freeze pie crust for at least an hour

Filling:
1 carton (1.5 quarts) Peppermint Ice Cream  (leave out for 10-15 minutes to soften)
2 candy canes, crushed

Directions:
Spread softened ice cream evenly on frozen crust.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Freeze for several hours until firm.
Cut into wedges to serve.

Peppermint Patty Ice Cream Sandwiches

I love ice-cream sandwiches, and I couldn't get over how much those Chocolate Peppermint Patty Cookies I wrote about yesterday looked like an Ice-Cream sandwich, so I thought I'd try making one. Here are a few variations based on my original ice-cream sandwich recipe.

Peppermint Patty Ice Cream Sandwiches

For the holidays and to continue the Chocolate Peppermint theme, take 6 big Chocolate Chunky Cookies (Pepperidge Farm Brownie is what I use, but any big firm chocolate cookie will work).
Lay out 6 cookies, flat side up.
Scoop slightly softened peppermint ice-cream onto the cookies.
Using a butter knife spread the ice cream to the edge.
Cover with another cookie, flat side down.
Spread smashed pieces of candy canes on a plate.
Roll the sides of the sandwich in the candy cane pieces until covered.
Wrap each sandwich and freeze.

Peppermint ice cream seems to be seasonal these days. When I grew up it was a year-round flavor. On long turnpike trips, my family would stop at the Howard Johnson's, and I would order Peppermint Ice Cream. It was the reward, I guess, for not fighting with my sister. Peppermint was my favorite. I know, a big surprise for a chocoholic. Maybe I developed the love of chocolate later?

For the ice-cream in the ice-cream sandwiches, Haagen-Dazs has a Peppermint Bark Ice Cream that's a rich white chocolate ice cream blended with crunchy dark and white chocolate peppermint bark and peppermint candy pieces. It's fabulous! Available September through December, so get some in the freezer now.

Baskin-Robbins has Peppermint as a flavor of the month. Peppermint Ice Cream with pieces of pink peppermint candy.

Dreyer's has a silky cool Peppermint ice cream mixed with pieces of peppermint candy. I think Edy's is the name of the same brand in other areas of the U.S.

Ben & Jerry's used to have Peppermint Schtick. It's a retired flavor, but you can always send them an email and ask for its return.

Check out your favorite local ice cream shop for Peppermint ice-cream. I bet they'll have some yummy ones. It's the season. Enjoy!