Chocolate semifreddo

Semifreddo means “half-cold” and refers to mousse-like desserts that have bits of chocolate, crumbled cookies, chopped nuts, or fruit folded in, then frozen. These airy concoctions never freeze hard which makes their texture especially pleasing to the palate. Some semifreddos are refrigerated—not frozen—like our silky smooth, no-cook version, which is made with sweetened whipped ricotta cheese. To melt the chocolate chips, microwave in a small microwavable bowl on High, 20 to 25 seconds, stirring at 10-second intervals, until melted and smooth. Or, to melt on the stove, place the chocolate in the top of a double-boiler set over barely simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.