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

Image may contain Plant Food Dish Meal Pottery Jar Cutlery Spoon and Vase

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

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

34 No-Churn Frozen Desserts
No ice cream maker? No worries—these semifreddo, granita, sorbet, and creamy popsicle recipes don't need one.
14 Recipes for Easier-Than-You-Think Italian Ice Cream
The Italian dessert Semifreddo means "semi-frozen." It doesn't require an ice cream maker yet is equally cool, creamy, and satisfying.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.

Recipe notes

34 No-Churn Frozen Desserts

14 Recipes for Easier-Than-You-Think Italian Ice Cream