Ingredients

• 8 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 6 to 8 small brioche rolls, split open
• Whipped cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Put the milk chocolate and cocoa in a blender. Bring 2 cups water and the sugar to a simmer in a saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot sugar syrup into the blender; cover and pulse 4 or 5 times, until the mixture is smooth but not foamy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and the salt to the blender; pulse once more to combine. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until very cold, at least 2 hours.
2. Whisk the chocolate mixture, then transfer to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours.
3. Fill each roll with a scoop of chocolate gelato and some whipped cream, if desired.
4. Photograph by Anna Williams