Table Recipes: Dark Chocolate Orange Ice Cream
on 12 May, 2008
“We loved the Chocolate Caramel Ice Cream. Thanks. 🙂 But can you make a Chocolate Orange Ice Cream?” the message said. I love a challenge.
Making the chocolate base of this ice cream is easy enough. I’ve done that more times than my expanding belly would care to remember. But how to achieve the orange flavor? For answers, I turn to my friend, Stich and his wife, M. I know for a fact that this couple, being avid home bakers, have made amazing Chocolate Orange Cookies in the past. With that experience, I’m hoping that they can help me crack this little conundrum.
Since I have never tasted Chocolate Orange Ice Cream, I asked M. what exactly it was. An ice cream with a chocolate base and an undertone of orange flavoring? Or an orange ice cream with chocolate chips? M. answer, “Most definitely the former.”
Next question: How do I achieve the orange flavor without overpowering the chocolate? Initially, I was thinking about using freshly squeezed orange juice for flavor and orange rind for aroma and color. Stich sets me straight. He suggests using orange extract instead orange juice. “You don’t need more water in the mix, right?” he adds. I agree.
Using David Lebovitz’s Chocolate Ice Cream recipe as a starting point, I get to work.
Dark Chocolate Orange Ice Cream
Adapted from The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz
- 2 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 6 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract
- Grated zest of 1 orange, preferably unsprayed
- Pinch of salt
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cream, cocoa powder, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and grate the orange directly over the cream mixture.
Add chocolate and whisk until melted. Add in milk, orange and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into a blender and blend for 30 seconds, until smooth.
Chill the mixture in the refrigerator, then freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Makes about 1 litre
After letting the ice cream set overnight in the freezer, I give it a try. It tastes exactly as it was described to me. A velvety smooth dark chocolate flavor first presents itself. It is quickly followed by the sublime aroma and flavor of freshly sliced oranges that lingers as you take your next bite.
I admit I prefer my chocolate straight up and unadulterated by other flavorings or add-ins. But after having a scoop of this ice cream, I may have to reconsider that preference.
For the inspiration and suggestions, many thank to Stich and M.
9
comments
Post a commentMAY 12, 2008 11:54 AM
Bong said...
wow! i would love to try your concoction! hehe sounds interesting
MAY 13, 2008 8:16 AM
mtan said...
Have you tried the Haagen Dazs version? It needs more oomph in the chocolate, but the orange bits make a lovely contrast. I've always loved orange (sherbet or a cream) with vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
MAY 13, 2008 9:55 AM
Franco said...
Hi Bong. Thanks.:) It was quite interesting.
Hi Mila. No, I haven't tried the Haagen Dazs version. I heard about it. In fact, the Haagen Dazs version is reason why I was asked to make my version. I've been kicking around the idea of making a orange cream ice cream. Like the popsicle. ;)
MAY 15, 2008 9:10 AM
christine said...
Oh wow! I love the combination of dark chocolate and orange. There's something about these flavors that just go so well together! You're making me long more and more for an ice cream maker.
MAY 15, 2008 10:29 AM
Mrs. A said...
Franco, many thanks again for the lovely ice cream. Mr.A usually lets me polish of the dessert at home, specially when he knows it's something I like. In this case, we split everything down to the last serving. Arce Dairy used to have a wonderful Mandarin Orange flavor that I can't seem to find anymore. Ours spoons are ready for your version if you ever decide to pursue it. :)
MAY 16, 2008 11:15 AM
Franco said...
Hi Nena. Get an ice cream maker already. :)
Hi Mrs. A. Glad you enjoyed it. :) Need to work on the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough for A. first. :)
JUNE 1, 2008 9:07 PM
dyosa said...
that just looks so sinful! i am big fan of bittersweet/dark chocolates. i 'll borrow your recipe and try this myself. thanks for sharing! :-)
JUNE 3, 2008 2:41 AM
Franco said...
Hi Dyosa. You're welcome. :)
JUNE 5, 2009 1:02 AM
broken lotus girl said...
Thank you SO MUCH! My husband and I used to get this from a very old-fashioned local shop that closed. It was a favorite that we've never found anywhere else.
Recently I discovered his Mom had purchased an ice cream maker and then never opened it. The first thing he said was, "can you make some chocolate orange." It's just as great as we remembered. Thanks again.
Big Chocolaty Smiles,
broken lotus girl