Mint Chocolate Harbor Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Put the chocolate and the oil or shortening in a deep saucepan that is not too wide (you'll be using this to dip the ice cream sandwiches, so think about that when you choose your pot). Over the lowest heat, melt the chocolate, stirring constantly to incorporate the oil and make sure the chocolate doesn't burn. As soon as it is smooth, remove the chocolate from the heat and set aside, letting it slowly come to room temperature.
2. 2
   In the meantime, soften the ice cream for a few minutes outside of the freezer. Sandwich about 1/2 cup of ice cream between two cookies, pressing firmly and smoothing the sides. Repeat with the remaining cookies and then return the sandwiches to the freezer for at least half and hour to harden.
3. 3
   When the chocolate is cool and the ice cream sandwiches have hardened, you are ready to dip! Lay a piece of wax paper on a baking sheet that will fit in your freezer. Working with one sandwich at a time (and leaving the rest in the freezer), place the sandwich on a slotted spoon or perforated skimmer and lower gently into the chocolate. Turn the sandwich over so that the entire thing is coated evenly in chocolate, and then lift out with the spoon, letting an excess chocolate dribble through the holes. Transfer to the baking sheet and quickly repeat with the remaining 3 sandwiches. Immediately return the sandwiches to the freezer until the chocolate sets, at least 15 minutes.