Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs. sugar
Pinch of salt
1 or 2 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 or 2 drops blue food coloring (optional)
3-4 oz. Coarsely Chopped Crio Beans

Directions:

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, 1 cup of the cream and the mint leaves. Cook until bubbles form around the edges of the pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 20 minutes to steep. 

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the egg yolks, sugar, salt, and the remaining 1⁄2 cup cream and whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk about 1⁄2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture until smooth.

Pour the egg mixture back into the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon and keeping the custard at a low simmer until it is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and leaves a clear trail when a finger is drawn through it, 4 to 6 minutes. Do not allow the custard to boil. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the mint with the back of the spoon.

Stir in the food colorings.

Place the bowl in a larger bowl partially filled with ice water, stirring occasionally until cool. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

Transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. When nearly frozen and the consistency of thick whipped cream, add the crio beans while the machine is churning or stop the machine temporarily, add the beans and restart to mix.

Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze until firm, at least 3 hours or up to 3 days, before serving.

Makes about 1 quart.