Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Last Meal

Timothy McVeigh's Mint Chocolate Chip

Associated With Timothy James McVeigh
Prep Time 20 min
Churn Time 25 min
Servings 8

The Oklahoma City bomber requested just two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream as his final meal - one of the simplest last meal requests in American history. This homemade version delivers the classic combination of cool mint and rich chocolate.

Instructions

  1. Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, half the sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to steam. Do not boil.
  2. Prepare the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan.
  4. Cook the Custard: Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (170-175°F). Do not let it boil.
  5. Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract. Add a few drops of green food coloring if desired for the classic look. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
  6. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Prepare the Chocolate: Melt chocolate with coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler. Let cool slightly but keep it pourable.
  8. Churn: Pour chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's directions. In the last 5 minutes, slowly drizzle in the melted chocolate. It will harden into chips.
  9. Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours for a firmer texture. Serve in generous scoops.

The Story Behind the Meal

On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh detonated a truck bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, including 19 children in the building's daycare center. It remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American history.

McVeigh, a Gulf War veteran disillusioned with the federal government, carried out the attack as revenge for the FBI's handling of the Ruby Ridge and Waco sieges. He showed no remorse and referred to the children killed as "collateral damage."

On June 11, 2001, McVeigh became the first federal prisoner executed since 1963. For his last meal, he requested just two pints of mint chocolate chip ice cream - reportedly his favorite since childhood. He ate both pints completely.

The simplicity of his request stood in stark contrast to the elaborate final meals of other death row inmates. Some interpreted it as a final act of control; others as childlike regression. McVeigh himself offered no explanation.

His execution was witnessed by 232 survivors and family members via closed-circuit television - the first time victims were allowed to view a federal execution.

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