Name: Milk Chocolate Semifreddo with Star Anise Carrot Cake
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 egg whites; 1 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; 3/4 cup whole-wheat flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground star anise; 1/8 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 cups shredded carrots, with greens reserved (for garnish, optional); 2 cups fresh carrot juice; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sugar; Pinch coarse salt

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Milk Chocolate Semifreddo with Star Anise Carrot CakeEllen Silverman

Charlie Trotter, Charlie Trotter's, Chicago, Illinois
Lee Jones, The Chef's Garden, Huron, Ohio (carrots)

A semifreddo is basically an ice cream cake, and Chef Trotter uses carrots, chocolate, and spices as unexpected partners in his version. Star anise enhances the sweetness in the carrots and adds a distinctive hint of licorice to the rich chocolate. There are no egg yolks in this recipe—it's the meringue that gives the semifreddo a smooth texture.

Recipe notes

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