Vanilla Bean Caramel Icebox Dessert

Line an 8x4-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Spread 1 container of ice cream in bottom of pan. Spoon 1 cup caramel over ice cream. Top with remaining container of ice cream. Cover tightly, and freeze until firm. Cut into slices, and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh mint and a drizzle of caramel. if desired. Vanilla Bean Caramel Makes 3 1/2 cups This sauce is wonderful drizzled over ice cream, stirred into coffee, or used in our icebox dessert. In the top of a double boiler, combine sweetened condensed milk and vanilla bean paste. Place over simmering water, and cook over medium-low heat for 2 hours or until color deepens to a golden caramel. Remove from heat, and stir in cream. Store, covered, in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.