Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream

There’s something magical about the combination of flavors in Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream. Picture a hot summer day, the sun shining down, and the sweet scent of chocolate wafting through the air. I remember the first time I tried fennel in a dessert; it was unexpected yet refreshing. I decided to combine that unique anise flavor with rich, creamy chocolate in a homemade ice cream. This isn’t just any ice cream; it’s a flavor adventure that takes you to unexpected places while satisfying your sweet tooth. Whenever I make Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream, I can’t help but feel nostalgic and excited to share it with friends and family. It’s the perfect treat to impress guests or simply indulge in during a cozy evening at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again!

What Goes Into Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream

The ingredients in Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream are carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the rich creaminess, sweet notes, and the fresh hint of fennel that makes this dessert so special. Let’s dive into the key players:

• Liquid Glucose: Acts as a sweetener and helps achieve a smooth texture by preventing ice crystals from forming.
• Fennel: Provides the unique anise flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Milk: A base for the ice cream, contributing creaminess and body.
• Cream: Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the ice cream, making it indulgent.
• Egg Yolks: Create a custard base that enriches the flavor and contributes to the smooth texture.
• Pernod: A touch of this anise-flavored liqueur enhances the fennel taste, making it even more aromatic.
• Fennel Seeds: Add an extra burst of fennel flavor, enhancing the ice cream’s complexity.
• Chocolate: The star of the show, providing rich, deep flavors that balance the fennel’s brightness.
• Almonds: Toasted and chopped, they add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creaminess.
• Sugar: Sweetens the mixture, balancing the bitterness of the chocolate and enhancing all the flavors.
• Pineapple: Caramelized for serving, it adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy ice cream.
• Chocolate Mint Leaves: Use as a garnish to enhance presentation and add a refreshing touch.

Step by Step Guide for Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream

Creating Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream is a journey that rewards you with an incredible dessert. Each step is designed to build layers of flavor and texture, making the process as enjoyable as the final product. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by placing the chopped fennel, fennel seeds, pernod, milk, and cream in a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the mixture until it reaches ninety degrees Celsius (or one hundred ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit), then remove it from the heat and allow it to infuse for one hour. This step is crucial as it extracts the flavors from the fennel, creating a wonderful base for your ice cream.
2. After the infusion time, reheat the milk mixture to ninety degrees Celsius (one hundred ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit). In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. While whisking, slowly pour the hot milk mixture over the egg yolks to temper them. This process prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.
3. Strain the mixture into a clean pan. Cook it over low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is where the magic happens; you’ll see the mixture transform into a luscious custard.
4. Once thickened, strain the custard into a bowl and place it over ice to chill. This rapid cooling process ensures the ice cream base is cold when you’re ready to churn it, contributing to a smoother texture.
5. When the mixture is cold, churn it in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step incorporates air into the mixture, making it light and fluffy.
6. In a saucepan, heat the cream and liquid glucose to seventy degrees Celsius (one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit). Remove it from the heat and stir in the chocolate. This creates a rich ganache that will be folded into the ice cream.
7. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, mix in the almonds and a pinch of sea salt. The salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
8. In another saucepan, combine all remaining ingredients, including the chopped fennel and water. Cook slowly until most of the water evaporates, leaving a jam-like consistency. This fennel jam will add a fantastic depth of flavor when served.
9. In a hot frying pan, caramelize the pineapple. When golden brown, remove from heat, dice it, and mix it with its juices in a bowl. This will add a sweet and tangy element to your dessert.
10. Finally, when serving, scoop the Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream into bowls, topping it with the fennel jam and caramelized pineapple. Garnish with chocolate mint leaves for a beautiful presentation!

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream:

• Storage: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the ice cream for up to two weeks, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.
• Pairing: Serve this ice cream with fresh fruits, pies, or even alongside a slice of rich chocolate cake for a decadent dessert experience.
• Variations: Consider adding other spices or flavorings, such as cardamom or a hint of chili, for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.
• Presentation: For a gourmet touch, serve the ice cream in chilled bowls and garnish with edible flowers or extra chocolate shavings.

Serving Options for Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream

When it comes to enjoying Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Elegant Dessert Bowls: Serve scoops of ice cream in elegant dessert bowls, topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or the fennel jam for added flair.
• Fruit Pairing: Complement the ice cream with fresh seasonal fruits like berries or sliced peaches for a vibrant contrast.
• Summer Parties: A perfect addition to summer gatherings, Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream can be served at barbecues or picnics to impress your guests.
• Special Occasions: This unique flavor is excellent for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations, making any event feel extra special.
• Gourmet Dessert Plates: Create a stunning dessert plate with Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream, caramelized pineapple, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
• Chilled Dessert Shooters: For a fun twist, serve mini portions in shot glasses layered with the fennel jam for a colorful presentation.
• Layered Sundaes: Build decadent sundaes with layers of Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream, whipped cream, and chocolate chips for a delicious treat.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream is a unique and luxurious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the unexpected twist of fennel. This pairing creates an unforgettable taste experience that’s both refreshing and indulgent. I encourage you to try making it yourself; you’ll not only impress your guests but also treat yourself to something truly special. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and enjoy this delightful frozen treat on a warm summer day or during a cozy evening at home.

Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream

The ultimate summer treat, Chocolate Fennel Ice Cream combines rich chocolate with the unexpected flavor of fennel. This easy-to-make ice cream is perfect for hot days, making it a delightful indulgence. Impress your guests with this unique dessert that’s sure to tantalize their taste buds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Grater
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 170 g Liquid Glucose
• 300 g Fennel Washed & chopped
• 450 ml Milk
• 450 ml Cream
• 9 Egg Yolks
• 20 ml Pernod
• 10 g Fennel Seeds
• 300 g 68% Cocoa Chocolate Grated
• 500 ml Cream
• 10 g Liquid Glucose
• 2 g Sea Salt
• 100 g Almonds Toasted, nibbed and chopped
• 300 g Fennel Chopped
• 600 g Water
• 10 ml Liquid Glucose
• 250 g Sugar
• 1/2 Pineapple
• 2 Chocolate Mint Leaves

Instructions

 

• Place chopped fennel, fennel seeds, pernod, milk, and cream in a heavy based pan. Heat to 90 degrees Celsius (195 Fahrenheit), remove from heat and leave to infuse for 1 hour.
• Reheat the milk to 90 degrees Celsius (195 Fahrenheit) then pour over eggs and sugar whilst whisking.
• Strain this into a clean pan and cook on a low heat until the mix coats the back of a spoon.
• Strain into a bowl and then chill over ice.
• When Mix is cold churn in an ice cream machine.
• Heat cream and glucose to 70 degrees Celsius (160 Fahrenheit), remove from heat and stir in the chocolate.
• When the mix has cooled slightly, add the almonds and salt.
• Place all ingredients into a heavy based saucepan and slowly cook until the water has evaporated and the fennel is a jam like consistency.
• In a hot frying pan, caramelize the pineapple.
• When golden brown, remove from the heat, dice and place the diced pineapple with its juices into a bowl with a little chocolate mint.

Notes

• Storage: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the ice cream for up to two weeks, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.
• Pairing: Serve this ice cream with fresh fruits, pies, or even alongside a slice of rich chocolate cake for a decadent dessert experience.
• Variations: Consider adding other spices or flavorings, such as cardamom or a hint of chili, for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.
• Presentation: For a gourmet touch, serve the ice cream in chilled bowls and garnish with edible flowers or extra chocolate shavings.

Keyword chocolate dessert, Fennel Ice Cream, Homemade Ice Cream Recipe, Unique Ice Cream Flavors

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.