Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries

Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries Recipe - Vegetarian Dessert from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner party. The combination of champagne, sugar, and fresh fruit creates a light and elegant sorbet that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Champagne sorbet has been enjoyed for centuries as a luxurious and decadent treat. Originally created in France, this dessert has become a popular choice for celebrations and special occasions around the world.

Ingredients

2.5 cups champagne
1.75 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
0.25 cup lemon juice
0.25 cup orange juice
0.75 cup wild strawberries or strawberry slices

How to prepare

Bring three-quarters of the champagne to a boil in a saucepan.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Combine the sugar and water in a pan and stir to dissolve the sugar.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the syrup forms a thread when pulled between your thumb and forefinger.
Remove from heat immediately.
Stir the champagne and fruit juices into the sugar syrup and let it cool.
Freeze the mixture in a plastic container until it becomes hard, which may take several hours or overnight.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sorbet until it becomes smooth.
Return the sorbet to the freezer until it becomes firm.
Serve scoops of sorbet on chilled plates or in glasses, garnished with wild strawberries or strawberry slices.

Variations

Try using different types of fruit juices, such as raspberry or peach, for a unique flavor twist.
Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a good quality champagne for the best flavor in this sorbet.

- Make sure to let the champagne cool before adding it to the sugar syrup to prevent it from boiling off.

- Stir the sorbet mixture frequently while it is freezing to prevent large ice crystals from forming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries in chilled glasses or bowls, garnished with fresh wild strawberries or strawberry slices for an elegant presentation.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a smooth and creamy sorbet is to freeze the mixture in a plastic container and then beat it with an electric mixer before returning it to the freezer to firm up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have champagne on hand, you can use sparkling wine or prosecco as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sorbet mixture ahead of time and freeze it until you are ready to serve. Just be sure to beat it with an electric mixer before serving to ensure a smooth texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries in champagne flutes for an elegant touch, or in small bowls for a more casual presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This sorbet pairs well with fresh berries, shortbread cookies, or a light and fruity dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dessert is low in fat, with only about 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries contains minimal protein, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh fruit juices, providing about 15% of the recommended daily intake per serving.

Alergens

This recipe contains alcohol from the champagne, so it may not be suitable for those with alcohol allergies or sensitivities.

Summary

Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries is a light and refreshing dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free treat for special occasions.

Summary

Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries is a sophisticated and delicious dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner party. With its light and refreshing flavor, this sorbet is sure to be a hit with your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margot in the south of France. Margot was a fantastic cook, and she always seemed to effortlessly whip up the most delicious dishes with whatever ingredients she had on hand.

On this particular day, Margot had invited me over for a leisurely lunch in her charming garden. As we sat at the wrought iron table, sipping on chilled glasses of champagne, she suddenly disappeared into her kitchen and returned with a stunning dessert.

She placed small bowls of Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries in front of us, and I was immediately captivated by the delicate pink hue of the sorbet and the vibrant red strawberries glistening in the sun. The first bite was pure bliss - the sorbet was light and airy, with a subtle hint of champagne, and the strawberries added a burst of freshness that complemented the sweetness perfectly.

I couldn't help but ask Margot for the recipe, and she smiled as she handed me a handwritten card with the instructions. She explained that the secret to the sorbet's light texture was in the way she whipped the egg whites before folding them into the champagne mixture. She also mentioned that using ripe, juicy strawberries was essential for the perfect balance of flavors.

As I savored every spoonful of that delicious sorbet, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. So, I spent the rest of my visit in France shadowing Margot in her kitchen, watching her expertly prepare the sorbet and jotting down every detail of the recipe.

When it was finally time to return home, I brought back with me not just memories of a wonderful trip, but also a newfound passion for creating delicious desserts. I couldn't wait to share Margot's Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries with my family and friends, and I knew it would become a staple in my own collection of recipes.

Over the years, I have made this sorbet countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have experimented with different types of champagne, added a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor, and even tried substituting the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches.

But no matter how I choose to make it, this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of that sunny afternoon in Margot's garden, where I first discovered the magic of creating something delicious from simple, fresh ingredients.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, whisking egg whites and chopping ripe strawberries, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the people who have inspired me along the way. From Margot's elegant French cuisine to my grandmother's hearty comfort food, each recipe I have collected over the years tells a story of love, friendship, and the joy of sharing a meal with those you care about.

And as I set the table for another gathering of family and friends, with bowls of Champagne Sorbet with Strawberries waiting to be enjoyed, I know that these moments of connection and community are truly the sweetest ingredients of all.