Chocolate Semifreddo

Cook's Illustrated (May 2018)

  • Lightly spray a loaf pan and line with plastic wrap, leaving a 3 inch overhang on all sides.
Prepare Chocolate
  • Place in large heatproof bowl.
  • Place fine mesh strainer over bowl.
8 oz bittersweet (60%) chocolate, chopped fine
Vanilla and Espresso
Stir in small bowl until dissolved.
1 T vanilla extract
1/2 t instant espresso powder
Eggs and Sugar
Whisk in medium bowl until combined.
3 large eggs
5 T sugar
1/4 t salt
Divide Cream
2 c heavy cream, chilled, divided
Heat Cream
Med heat in med saucepan until simmering.
1/2 c divided cream
1/4 c water
Heat Eggs
  • Slowly whisk cream into egg mixture.
  • Return to saucepan.
  • Cook over med low, stirring and scraping constantly until very slightly thickened and 160°-165°, about 5 min. Do not let simmer.
Melt Chocolate
  • Pour through strainer.
  • Let stand to melt chocolate, 5 min.
  • Whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth.
  • Whisk in vanilla/espresso mixture.
  • Let cool completely, 15 min.
Whip Cream
  • Beat on low in stand mixer with whisk attachment until bubbles form, 30 sec.
  • Increase to med and beat until whisk leaves trail, 30 sec.
  • Increase to high until nearly doubled in volume and soft peaks, 30-45 sec.
1 1/2 c divided cream, chilled
Fold Into Chocolate
  • Whisk 1/3 of whipped cream into chocolate mixture.
  • Gently fold in remaining cream, until incorporated and no streaks.
Freeze
  • Transfer to pan and spread evenly.
  • Fold hanging plastic over surface.
  • Freeze at least 6 hours.
Serve
  • Remove plastic from surface and invert onto serving plate.
  • Remove plastic and smooth surface with an offset spatula.
  • Dip slicing knife in hot water and wipe dry before cutting.
  • Serve with cherry sauce and candied nuts.
  • Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 weeks.