Many ways with crème anglaise

Crème anglaise is the dessert world's most versatile accessory, and a great addition to your entertaining repertoire. With just a few tweaks, you can turn this one sauce, rich with bittersweet chocolate, into two different desserts for your next party.

First, thin it with milk and pour over slices of cake (your own or purchased from a bakery). Then, fold in whipped cream, add amaretto, freeze, and voilà ― an elegant semifreddo.