Citrus Semifreddo

Citrus Semifreddo Recipe from Italy | Ingredients: Amaretti, Lemon, Lime, and Limoncello

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

History

Semifreddo, which means "half cold" in Italian, is a popular frozen dessert in Italy. It is similar to ice cream but has a lighter and airier texture. The combination of citrus flavors in this recipe adds a zesty and refreshing twist to the traditional semifreddo.

Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray
4 oz (113 g) purchased amaretti cookies, crushed (about 20 small cookies) plus more for sprinkling
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
0.5 cup sugar, plus 0.25 cup
8 large egg yolks
0.25 cup lemon juice
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp limoncello
pinch of salt
1 lemon, zested
1 lime, zested
1 cup whipping cream

How to prepare

Spray a 9 by 5 by 3 inches metal loaf pan with nonstick spray.
Line the pan with plastic wrap, allowing the excess to hang over the ends and sides.
Combine the crushed amaretti cookies and the melted butter.
Put the mixture in the lined pan and press down to firm and form a crust.
Whisk 0.5 cup of sugar, the egg yolks, lemon juice, lime juice, limoncello, and salt in a large metal bowl to blend.
Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water).
Whisk the egg mixture until it is thick and creamy, and a thermometer inserted into the mixture registers 160°F, about 5 minutes.
Set the bowl of custard into another bowl of ice water to cool completely.
Stir in the zest.
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream and remaining 0.25 cup sugar in another large bowl until firm peaks form.
Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the custard.
Spoon the mixture onto the prepared crust.
Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the custard and freeze until frozen, at least 8 hours or up to 3 days.
Unfold the plastic wrap.
Invert the semifreddo onto a platter and peel off the plastic wrap.
Cut the semifreddo into 1 inch slices and sprinkle with crushed amaretti cookies and serve.

Variations

Try using different citrus fruits like orange or grapefruit for a unique twist on this recipe.
Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau, for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to whisk the egg mixture constantly while it is over the simmering water to prevent the eggs from curdling.

- Be sure to cool the custard completely before folding in the whipped cream to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- For best results, freeze the semifreddo for at least 8 hours to allow it to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Citrus Semifreddo with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Citrus Semifreddo is to properly whip the egg mixture until it is thick and creamy, and to fold in the whipped cream gently to maintain a light and airy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have limoncello, you can substitute with lemon or lime juice. You can also use graham crackers or digestive biscuits in place of the amaretti cookies for the crust.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Citrus Semifreddo up to 3 days in advance and store it in the freezer until ready to serve. Just be sure to allow it to thaw slightly before slicing and serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Citrus Semifreddo with fresh berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Citrus Semifreddo with a glass of sparkling wine or a citrus-infused cocktail for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Citrus Semifreddo in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To serve, allow it to thaw slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Citrus Semifreddo contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Citrus Semifreddo contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Citrus Semifreddo contains approximately 18 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Citrus Semifreddo contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Citrus fruits like lemon and lime are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. They also contain antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (cream), which may be allergens for some individuals. It also contains gluten from the amaretti cookies.

Summary

Citrus Semifreddo is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in fats and carbohydrates but also provides some protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Citrus Semifreddo is a delightful frozen dessert that combines the bright and refreshing flavors of lemon and lime with a creamy and luscious texture. This Italian dessert is perfect for a hot summer day or as a light and refreshing end to a meal. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and impressive dessert that will impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Citrus Semifreddo. It was a sunny day in the late summer, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her signature desserts.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of fresh citrus fruits, Maria pulled out an old, weathered recipe card from her recipe box. She explained that Semifreddo was a frozen Italian dessert that was similar to ice cream, but lighter and creamier. She told me that the combination of citrus flavors in this particular recipe was a family secret that had been passed down for generations.

Maria began by showing me how to separate the eggs and beat the yolks with sugar until they were pale and creamy. She then added freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, as well as a splash of Limoncello for an extra kick of flavor. Next, she whipped the egg whites until they formed stiff peaks and gently folded them into the citrus mixture.

As we poured the mixture into a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap, Maria explained that the Semifreddo would need to freeze for several hours before serving. She told me that the texture should be light and airy, with a slightly frozen consistency that would melt in your mouth with each bite.

After patiently waiting for what felt like an eternity, we finally sliced into the Citrus Semifreddo and served it with a drizzle of homemade raspberry sauce. The combination of the tangy citrus flavors and the sweet, fruity sauce was absolutely divine. I couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a luxurious dessert, and I knew that I had to bring this recipe back home with me.

When I returned to my own kitchen, I couldn't wait to recreate Maria's Citrus Semifreddo for my family and friends. I carefully followed the steps that she had taught me, making sure to use the freshest ingredients and to whip the egg whites to perfection. As the Semifreddo froze in the freezer, I could hardly contain my excitement.

When it was finally time to serve the dessert, my family gathered around the table with eager anticipation. I sliced into the loaf, revealing the creamy, citrusy layers that Maria had shown me how to create. As we took our first bites, I watched as their faces lit up with delight. The flavors were bright and refreshing, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness.

From that day on, Maria's Citrus Semifreddo became a staple in my dessert repertoire. I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, passing on the knowledge that Maria had so generously imparted to me. Each time I made the dessert, I thought of Maria and our time together in her kitchen, bonding over our shared love of cooking and creating something beautiful from simple ingredients.

Now, whenever I make Citrus Semifreddo for my grandchildren, I take a moment to tell them the story of how I learned to make this special dessert. I hope that one day, they will pass on the recipe to their own loved ones, keeping Maria's legacy alive for generations to come. And as we gather around the table to enjoy the creamy, citrusy goodness of the Semifreddo, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.