"Very, very good. I have wasted $$$$ of Valhrona chocolate/cocoa in other recipes that turned out disastrous so the first time I made this was with Hershey's cocoa powder. Wonderful! I had never made a custard-based ice cream. The texture was right: the "mouth feel" that is of utmost importance in frozen desserts. Fresh raspberries are in season so""

"awesome! Yes, very easy to use pre-made caramels (either from a block or the individually-wrapped ones. Please do NOT be scared about making homemade caramel: once you do, you'll only do the other if short on time. I am always afraid of the candy thermometer/chance of burning myself, but this recipe is a winner no matter what. If you don't want huge turtles, i suggest a mini-muffin pan lined with foil cupcake liners (red, green, gold)....keep well, and always well-received. Easy, peasy, great using pre-made caramels if a child wants to help.