Love is a Many Cocoa’ed Thing During the Season of Romance…
A recipe by Dan Green, A Saucey Gent
OTP: Love x Chocolate
Ahh… St. Valentine’s Day, the one day a year that even the least romantic among us can claim a spot next to Casanova in the imagined list of lovers. Every February 14th, the card and confections industry does billions in business helping the regular folk prove that they can be romantic too. Personally, I think it’s a load of hooey…
Romance is something that should be practiced year round. When it comes right down to it, we as “geeks” have a distinct advantage if you ask me… after all, we have the best teachers in the world! Han Solo was the dashing rogue who swept Leia off her feet with a wink and a crooked smile, Clark Kent was able to win Lois Lane’s heart by being humble and loyal, and Captain James T. Kirk always knew the right thing to say before firing his phaser.
Still, if we’re going to talk about romance and geek culture (and eventually the kitchen), we need to discuss one of the greatest love stories in science fiction. In the late 1980s, “Star Trek” had a resurgence in the public eye and Gene Roddenberry gave us a new Enterprise and a new crew which included Commander William T. Riker and Counselor Deanna Troi of Betazed.
In the first episode, “Encounter at Farpoint,” we were told they had been former lovers… but more importantly, that they were Imzadi, forever bonded. It would take nine years and three films before they fell back into each other’s arms, but that’s the thing about true love… it’s persistent and patient.
Well, in honor of that great love and Deanna’s second great love, chocolate, I have a twofold recipe to make your romance a little sweeter and more decadent the next time you want to woo that special someone. Here in the lab, your ol’ Pal Dr. Frankenfood has two frozen desserts for the price of one: Frozen Hot Cocoa and Hot Chocolate Ice Cream. Both are decadent and delicious, and ready to help you add a little romance to your kitchen with just a little preparation.
For Frozen Hot Cocoa, you’ll want to remove the egg yolks and replace the half and half with whole milk… then fill your blender with ice and pour the chilled mixture in. Blend until the ice is crushed and pour into oversized mugs…
Hot Chocolate Ice Cream Base–
3 Tbs Hot Chocolate Mix
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbs Chocolate Syrup
2c Half and Half
1c Whole Milk
1c Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 egg yolks
Combine Syrup, Extract, and Cocoa mix in a large saucepan with the 2 cups of Half and Half… and whisk to combine over low heat. In a separate bowl, combine egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk, then slowly temper the mixture with the warm base. Combine both into saucepan, and remove from heat then whisk cold whole milk into the mixture and place full base in a large bowl to be chilled 6hrs to overnight (colder the better). The next day, place into your ice cream machine per its directions. Once completed, place in a resealable container and into the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours.
Serve with shaved chocolate and whipped cream.
