📖 Instructions

1. **Make the Peanut Butter Base:** In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is steamy but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (this prevents them from scrambling). Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture.
3. Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon (about 2-3 minutes). Do not boil!
4. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the mixture into a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming), and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. **Prepare the Pretzel Swirl:** Coarsely crush the pretzels using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. In a small saucepan, combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is combined and slightly caramelized (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool completely.
6. **Churn the Ice Cream:** Pour the chilled peanut butter base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes). The ice cream should be thick and creamy but still soft.
7. **Create the Swirl:** While the ice cream is churning, prepare a freezer-safe container. Once the ice cream is churned, transfer a layer of ice cream to the container, then dollop a spoonful of the cooled pretzel swirl over the ice cream. Repeat layers of ice cream and pretzel swirl until all the ice cream is used. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the pretzel mixture into the ice cream.
8. **Freeze and Enjoy:** Cover the container and freeze the ice cream for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm enough to scoop. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and serving. Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream Swirl!