I never intended to buy an ice cream maker. Living in Honolulu, apartments and kitchens tend to be spatially challenged and I do my best to avoid purchasing small appliances. And I couldn’t say I had any complaints with the products that Haagen-Dazs and Ben and Jerry’s were pumping out, although there are a couple flavors in the Ben & Jerry’s graveyard that I wouldn’t mind seeing make a comeback. White Russian much? I’m sure The Dude and I weren’t the only ones sad to see that one go…
But soon after I found out I had Celiac I decided to find out whether I had other food allergies/sensitivities/intolerances as well. An allergy skin test came back with a panic-inducing laundry list of possible suspects. I scheduled a blood test and an elimination diet, but not before convincing myself that I’d never be able to have real ice cream again.
Later, I discovered that I don’t actually have any problems with dairy (or about 98% of the foods on that original list), but not before an ice cream maker had already found its way into my pantry. I needed it, I rationalized, because the rice and coconut ice creams are so overpriced at the health food stores.
Had I been forced into a dairy-free existence, making this chocolate and coconut sherbet would probably be a weekly occurrence. Even now it’s a favorite. It’s easier to make than custard-style ice creams and is surprisingly creamy, considering the lack of egg yolks. Just don’t omit the alcohol, which keeps the sherbet from freezing into a hard, solid block.
Oh, and one final thing? I don’t care how it’s spelled… I will pronounce it as “sherbert” until the day I die.
Chocolate and Coconut Sherbet
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
13.5 ounce can coconut milk
1 Tablespoon coconut rum
1 cup sugar
Chocolate shavings and unsweetened coconut for garnish (optional)
Directions:
In a medium saucepan combine the water and sugar over medium heat; cook until the sugar has dissolved. Add the chocolate chips and stir until the chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and add the coconut milk and coconut rum.
Let cool to room temperature and then chill in the refrigerator at least four hours. Freeze in an ice cream maker. Scoop into individual serving bowls and top with the shaved chocolate and unsweetened coconut.