Rich Chocolate-Orange Sorbet

If you have decided - for whatever strange reason - to try only one of all of my recipes, make it this one! Only half a teaspoon of this sinfully delicious (and fat-free!) sorbet will win you over ... and all other recipes will follow. It is truly a taste sensation of its own kind: the velvety chocolate harmonizes just perfectly with the tangy orange flavor - or is it the other way around?! Try for yourself...

Ingredients (makes about 2 1/4 cups):

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 cups water
2 oz. European bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Preparation (20 minutes plus cooling down time plus freezing time):

1. In a medium-sized, heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and cocoa. Gradually whisk in the water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, whisking constantly, about 4 minutes.

2. Reduce the heat to low. Add the chocolate, orange juice, corn syrup, and orange zest and stir until the chocolate melts. Pour into a bowl, let cool down, and refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour.

3. Transfer the sorbet mixture to an ice-cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Transfer sorbet to an air-tight container; cover and freeze overnight to allow the flavors to develop, or for up to 3 days.

This sorbet doesn't need anything to go with it. It is just wonderful all by itself. If you want to, sprinkle some candied orange pieces over it and ... enjoy!