Bubble Gum Ice Cream

This is another of Tonia's favorite ice cream as a kid and still to this day.   Make this for your little one's next birthday party.  It's sure to be a hit.

BUBBLE GUM ICE CREAM
(Makes 1 1/2 quarts)

Ingredients:
*10-12 bubble gum (Bazooka or Malabars)
*1 1/2 cups heavy cream
*1 cup whole milk

*1 tablespoon corn starch
*5 egg yolks
*1 cup white sugar
*pink food coloring (optional)
*mini chicklets gum (optional)

Directions:
~Unwrap bubble gum & cut into pieces.
~Put milk & cream in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat.
~Bring to a boil, stirring, careful not to scorch.
~Remove from heat.
~Add chopped bubble gum to hot milk mixture.
~Cover and let steep for 20 minutes.
~Drain milk-gum mixture through a layer or two of cheesecloth into a medium bowl (once drained, squeeze cheesecloth to get a little more flavoring out).
~In another bowl, combine the eggs, corn starch, and  sugar.
~Beat until egg mixture is fluffy.

~Slowly drizzle a small amount on milk into egg mixture, whisking vigorously as you drizzle the hot milk in.

~Drizzle a little more hot milk, whisking vigorously.

~Slowly drizzle the rest of the hot milk, whisking vigorously as you add the remaining hot milk.

~Pour mixture back into saucepan.

~Cook over medium-low het, stirring with a wooden spoon.

~Cook until mixture thickens some and will coat the back of a wooden spoon (do not allow it to boil).

~Remove from heat.
~Add a few drops of pink (or red) food coloring and mix well (optional).
~Cool mixture in refrigerator for 3-4 hours (I put a piece of plastic wrap over mixture to prevent any skin from forming).
~Pour into ice cream maker and follow manufacturers instructions.
~Fold in chicklets in when done churning.
~Pour into an airtight plastic container.
~Freeze for 4-8 hours (depending on how hard you like your ice cream).

Variation:
`If you can't find the mini chicklets then use the "small double bubble gum balls".  I use 4 packages and cut the gum ball in fourths.

Helpful Hint:

`Place plastic wrap directly over ice cream before covering and placing in freezer.  This will help to prevent freezer burn.