Chocolate Chip Semi-Freddo

Makes 2 Quarts

8          Large Egg Yolks
1          Cup Granulated Sugar
½         Teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
4         Large Egg Whites, Room Temperature
¼        Cup Granulated Sugar

2         Cups Heavy Whipping Cream (36%)
¼        Cup Sugar
6          Ounces Dark Chocolate, Very Finely Chopped (Almost Chopped To Dust)

In a large heatproof bowl beat the yolks with the sugar, until combined, with a wire whisk.

Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water, being careful to not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl, and whisk the egg mixture continuously until very thick and hot. It will be thick enough when you lift the whisk and the mixture lies down slowly in a ribbon shape and takes a moment to sink back into itself. Be patient, as this will take about 20 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk for a few more minutes to help cool it down. Place the bowl in an ice water bath to cool completely, gently whisking every few minutes.

Place the 4 large egg whites into the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and slowly beat the whites to break them up, about 30 seconds. Gradually increase the speed to high and continue to beat the whites until very soft peaks form. White the mixer running on high, gradually add the ¼ cup sugar. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the sugar is completely dissolved. Fold thoroughly, but gently, into the cooled custard.

In a clean standing mixer bowl fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium high for a minute. Add the ¼ cup sugar and beat until light and fluffy and peaks form when the whisk is lifted out of the cream.

Fold the whipped cream into the custard thoroughly, but gently.   Fold the chocolate into the Semi-Freddo thoroughly but gently. Put the Semi-Freddo into an air-tight container, covered and freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving. Semi-freddo will last in the freezer for up to one month.