Cranberry Sorbet
Cranberry Sorbet Recipe - Deliciously Tart and Refreshing
Introduction
Cranberry sorbet is a refreshing and tangy dessert that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a light and fruity treat. This recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of apples and orange juice to create a delicious sorbet that is sure to impress your guests.
History
Sorbet has been enjoyed for centuries, with the earliest known recipes dating back to ancient Rome. The combination of fruit juice, sugar, and water has been a popular dessert choice throughout history, and cranberry sorbet is a modern twist on this classic treat. Cranberries have long been a staple in American cuisine, particularly during the fall and winter months, making them the perfect ingredient for a festive sorbet.
Ingredients
- 8 Granny Smith or other variety of green apples
- lemon juice
- 4 cups of fresh cranberries, finely ground
- 0.75 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
How to prepare
- Cut a 1.5-inch slice in a scallop pattern from the top of each apple and reserve the apple tops.
- Hollow out each apple, leaving a 0.5-inch shell with about 1 inch remaining from the bottom.
- Sprinkle the insides of the apples with lemon juice.
- Freeze the apples overnight.
- Combine the fresh cranberries and orange juice, mixing well. Set aside.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cranberry mixture and 2 tbsp of lemon juice.
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Skim off any foam and allow the mixture to cool.
- Pour the cranberry mixture into the freezer can of a 2 qt (1.89 liter) freezer.
- Freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Mound the sorbet into the frozen apple shells and place the apple tops on the side of the mound.
- Store in the freezer until serving time.
Variations
- Add a splash of vodka or orange liqueur to the cranberry mixture for an adult twist on this dessert.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations, such as cranberry-orange or cranberry-apple-raspberry sorbet.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to finely grind the fresh cranberries to ensure a smooth sorbet texture.
- Hollowing out the apples and freezing them overnight helps to create a unique serving vessel for the sorbet.
- Skimming off any foam that forms while simmering the cranberry mixture will result in a cleaner, smoother sorbet.
- Following the manufacturer's instructions for freezing the sorbet is important to achieve the perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cranberry sorbet in the frozen apple shells for a festive presentation, or scoop it into bowls and garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to freeze the apples overnight to ensure they are firm enough to hold the sorbet.
- Stir the cranberry mixture frequently while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use frozen cranberries if fresh are not available.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the sugar for a natural sweetener option.
Make Ahead Tips
Cranberry sorbet can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer until ready to serve. Simply remove from the freezer a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the sorbet with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy touch, or top with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Pairing Recommendations
Cranberry sorbet pairs well with a variety of desserts, such as apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, or gingerbread cookies. It also makes a refreshing palate cleanser between courses at a holiday meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of cranberry sorbet contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of cranberry sorbet contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Cranberry sorbet is a low-fat dessert, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.
Proteins
There is minimal protein in cranberry sorbet, with less than 1 gram per serving.
Vitamins and minerals
Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making this sorbet a nutritious choice for dessert.
Alergens
This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Cranberry sorbet is a low-calorie, low-fat dessert that is rich in vitamin C and fiber, making it a healthy and delicious option for those watching their diet.
Summary
Cranberry sorbet is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a light and refreshing treat. With its tangy cranberry flavor and sweet apple and orange undertones, this sorbet is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, the binding cracked and worn from years of use. But as I turned the pages, I was transported back to a time when life was simpler and recipes were passed down from generation to generation.
As I scanned the pages, my eyes fell upon a recipe for Cranberry Sorbet. The vibrant red color of the sorbet caught my attention immediately, and I knew I had to make it. The recipe was simple, calling for just a few ingredients – fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and a touch of lemon juice. But the combination of flavors sounded divine, and I could already imagine the tart sweetness of the cranberries mingling with the citrusy tang of the lemon.
I set to work gathering the ingredients, the familiar rhythm of cooking soothing my soul. I washed the cranberries and simmered them in a pot with sugar and water until they were soft and bursting with flavor. I added a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, then let the mixture cool before blending it into a smooth puree. Finally, I poured the mixture into my trusty ice cream maker and let it churn away until it was thick and creamy.
The sorbet was a revelation. The tartness of the cranberries was balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the sugar, while the lemon added a refreshing zing that danced on my taste buds. I scooped the sorbet into bowls and garnished it with fresh mint leaves, a simple yet elegant touch that elevated the dish to new heights.
As I savored each spoonful, I couldn't help but think of all the recipes I had learned over the years – from my grandmother, from friends, from cookbooks and magazines. Each recipe was a piece of history, a connection to the past that brought me comfort and joy. And now, this Cranberry Sorbet would be added to the list, a new favorite to be shared with loved ones for years to come.
I closed my eyes and let the flavors wash over me, the memories of past meals and shared moments flooding back. Cooking had always been my passion, my way of expressing love and creativity. And as I sat there, savoring the last spoonful of sorbet, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious.
And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the kitchen grew quiet, I made a promise to myself to continue exploring new recipes, to never stop learning and growing in the kitchen. For cooking was more than just a hobby – it was a way of life, a source of comfort and joy that would always be a part of who I was.
As I placed the cookbook back on the shelf, I smiled to myself, grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it brought into my life. And as I drifted off to sleep that night, the taste of Cranberry Sorbet still lingering on my tongue, I knew that I would always cherish the memories and traditions that had been passed down to me, one recipe at a time.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Cranberry Recipes | Granny Smith Apple Recipes | Orange Juice Recipes | Sorbet Recipes |