Imagine a warm summer evening, the air fragrant with blooming lavender and citrus notes. As the sun sets, a velvety scoop of chocolate sorbet cools your senses, each bite a celebration of unexpected flavors. This recipe merges rich chocolate with the floral notes of lavender and a refreshing kick from spiced citrus zest, creating a dessert that not only looks stunning but also dances on the palate.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup dark chocolate (70% cacao), finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Start your culinary adventure by infusing the water with lavender. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stirring gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the dried lavender and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the floral aroma envelop your kitchen.
Once the infusion is complete, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, discarding the lavender. This fragrant syrup will serve as the foundation for your sorbet.
While the lavender syrup is still warm, whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully incorporated. Then, add the finely chopped dark chocolate and stir until it melts into a silky mixture. Ensure there are no lumps, and the chocolate is fully integrated.
Next, stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract, enhancing the flavors of your chocolate base. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This will help develop the flavor profile further.
While your sorbet base is chilling, prepare the spiced citrus zest. In a small bowl, combine the orange zest, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside; this will add a delightful brightness to your sorbet.
Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, remove it from the refrigerator and fold in the spiced citrus zest. This infuses the sorbet with a refreshing hint of citrus and a warm spice that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
Now it’s time to churn your sorbet! Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer, stirring every 30 minutes until it’s firm and creamy.
Transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. To serve, scoop the sorbet into elegant bowls or cones, and if you’re feeling adventurous, garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or a sprinkle of extra orange zest.
Indulge in this chocolate and lavender sorbet, where each bite is a delightful journey through flavor, texture, and artistry. Perfect for summer evenings or as a refreshing end to any meal, this dessert will surely impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.