Chocolate-Amaretto Semifreddo

Whisk amaretto into crème anglaise. In a cold bowl with an electric mixer on high speed, beat whipping cream until medium peaks form (they should hold their shape, but not be stiff). Gently fold in about a third of crème anglaise mixture until no white streaks remain. Fold in remaining crème anglaise until blended.

Line a 9- by 5-in. loaf pan (holds 8 cups) with plastic wrap, leaving overhang on all sides. Gently fold chopped chocolate, almonds, and cherries into crème anglaise mixture. Spoon into pan and cover with overhanging plastic wrap. Freeze until firm, at least 7 1/2 hours and up to 1 week.

To serve, invert dessert over a platter and remove pan and plastic wrap. Let stand 15 minutes at room temperature to soften. Smooth top and sides with a warm knife if needed. Garnish with shaved chocolate.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

To toast almonds, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350° until golden, about 10 minutes. To make shaved chocolate, run a vegetable peeler along an 8-oz. block of slightly chilled semisweet chocolate.