For the ultimate chocolate frozen dessert, try Chocolate Semifreddo with Ganache and Caramelised Nuts.
Chocolate Semifreddo with Ganache and Caramelised Nuts Recipe
Serves 6
Ingredients:
Semifreddo
150g dark chocolate
4 eggs
50g white sugar
300ml heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla sugar
Caramelised Nuts
3 tbsp golden syrup
1 ½ tbsp white sugar
50g blanched almonds
50g pecans
Chocolate Ganache
75g dark chocolate
50ml heavy cream
Method:
Chop the chocolate and place in a small heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate over simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the chocolate as it melts. Once most of it has melted, take the bowl off the heat and stir until smooth and glossy.
Separate the eggs. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the melted chocolate.
Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the vanilla sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream and egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
Pour the mixture into a rectangular baking dish lined with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for 4-5 hours.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (155°C fan forced).
To make the caramelised nuts, heat the syrup and sugar in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the sugar has melted, add the almonds and pecans, stirring to coat them with the syrup. Spread the nuts out on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Place the baking tray in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the syrup is golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Let the nuts cool and harden, then roughly chop the nuts.
To make the chocolate ganache, chop the chocolate and place it in a bowl. Heat the cream until just simmering and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Remove the semifreddo from the freezer. Invert it onto a plate. Spread the chocolate ganache over the top and sprinkle with the chopped nuts.
Serve the semifreddo immediately, or return it to the freezer and serve later.
Smart Tip:
Delicious and decadent, ganache is the ultimate frosting. It is made by combining melted chocolate with cream. It can also be chilled and whipped for a light and fluffy icing for cake & cupcakes.
