Chocolate-Mint Sorbet

Photo: flickr user Joe Shlabotnik

Ingredients

cup sugar

3 cups water

6 four-inch sprigs peppermint

or chocolate mint

or spearmint

6 ounces premium bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chopped

cup unsweetened cocoa

Preparation

Syrup: bring the sugar and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the mint, cover, remove from heat and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and return the syrup to the saucepan.

Sorbet: return the syrup to a simmer .Add the chocolate and cocoa, remove the pan from the heat, and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate the mixture until thoroughly chilled. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions.

TIP - Look for quality chocolate such as Callebaut, Valrhona or El Rey.

Description: "triple hit of chocolate - chocolate-mint, bakers chocolate and cocoa." Yield: 5 cups

NOTES : Chocolate sorbet delivers a chocolate hit without the heaviness of most other chocolate desserts. This version, made with best-quality chocolate, has a satisfying chewiness and deep flavor, while the infusion of fresh mint sprigs magnifies the cool and refreshing qualities of the sorbet.