I created this dessert for a casual dinner party menu that needed to be completely dairy-free because one of our guests was lactose intolerant. It is a combination of the chocolate sorbet recipes from two great chefs whom I admire, Ina Garten (aka Barefoot Contessa) and David Lebovitz, with a few of my own touches added. It is very rich, so a little goes a long way!
3/4cupcocoa powderunsweetened good quality. I like Dutch processed
1cupsugar
3/4 to 1teaspooncoffeeor espresso granules
pinchground cinnamon
pinchkosher salt
2 1/4cupswater
3ouncesbar dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa)
1/2teaspoonvanilla
1 1/2tablespoonsKahlua liquor
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, coffee granules, cinnamon and salt. Whisk in the water and place over medium-low heat. Cook until the sugar, cocoa and spices are incorporated into the water. Stir in the chocolate pieces and continue cooking until the chocolate is almost all melted – I like to stop when there are still little bits of chocolate that haven’t melted completely. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and Kahlua. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate for several hours until thoroughly chilled (overnight is best). Remove from the refrigerator, stir and place in an ice cream maker; process according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Notes
Make ahead: sorbet will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.