Chocolate Semifreddo

Chocolate semifreddo is a highly appreciated spoon dessert, perfect if you’re looking for a refined and indulgent end to your meal. Here is the recipe to prepare a delicious chocolate semifreddo.

Ingredients

• 200 g of quality dark chocolate
• 3 egg yolks
• 100 g of granulated sugar
• 500 ml of fresh whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons of liquor of choice (such as rum, cognac, or Grand Marnier)
• 1 pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Begin by melting the chocolate in a double boiler in a large bowl. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl containing the chocolate.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until they become light and frothy. You might use an electric mixer to speed up the process.
3. Add the chosen liquor to the yolk and sugar mixture.
4. Once the chocolate has completely melted, remove it from the double boiler and let it cool slightly, then fold it into the yolk mixture, stirring gently to obtain a smooth cream.
5. Whip the fresh cream with a pinch of salt until it becomes firm, but be careful not to over-whip as this can cause it to become unset.
6. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture with upward motions to avoid deflating the mix.
7. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan previously lined with cling film, or into individual molds, and freeze for at least 4-6 hours.
8. Take the semifreddo out of the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow it to soften slightly. Unmold onto a serving plate or directly onto individual plates.
9. Decorate as desired with chocolate shavings, fresh fruit, or a dusting of cocoa powder before serving.

Curiosity

Semifreddo is a typical dessert preparation of Italian cuisine, and is a cross between ice cream and mousse. The chocolate version is particularly loved for its creaminess and the rich presence of chocolate, making it a dessert for true connoisseurs. The term “semifreddo” derives from the fact that it is served cold, but not hard like ice cream.