Frozen Christmas Wreath

Frozen Christmas Wreath Recipe with Cranberries, Mint, and Lemons

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Frozen Christmas Wreath is a festive and beautiful dessert that is perfect for holiday gatherings. This stunning dessert is not only visually appealing but also delicious and refreshing.

History

The Frozen Christmas Wreath is a modern twist on the traditional Christmas wreath, which is typically made with holly and berries. This frozen version adds a fun and creative element to the classic holiday dessert.

Ingredients

boiled and cooled water
fresh or frozen cranberries
fresh bunch of mint sprigs
2 lemons

How to prepare

Freeze this floating ring in stages so that decorations do not rise to the top.
Never use real holly as it is poisonous.
In a 10-inch ring mold, freeze 0.25 inches of water until solid.
Pour a 0.13-inch cluster of 3 cranberries around the inner edge of the mold and freeze until solid.
Repeat with a second 0.13-inch layer of water and cranberries around the outer edge of the mold; freeze.
Repeat the water layer and arrange tiny clusters of mint and single leaves face down among the berry clusters to resemble holly; freeze.
Using a stripper, cut 8 evenly spaced ridges out of the rind of each lemon, working from top to bottom; cut each lemon into 8 thin rounds.
Pour 0.13 inches of water into the mold and arrange overlapping lemon slices all around the mold.
Tuck in face-down mint leaves; freeze.
Repeat pouring in water and arrange a ring of cranberries against the outer edge of the mold; freeze.
If necessary, pour in water to the top of the mold; freeze.
To unmold, dip the ring into cold water for 30 seconds, then invert it onto a plate and unmold.
Slide into punch with the rounded side facing up.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor.
Use different fruits such as pomegranate seeds or sliced oranges for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Freeze the wreath in stages to ensure that the decorations do not rise to the top.

- Avoid using real holly as it is poisonous.

- Use a ring mold to create the wreath shape and layer the ingredients accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Frozen Christmas Wreath as a refreshing dessert after a holiday meal. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a festive touch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making the Frozen Christmas Wreath is to freeze the ingredients in stages to create layers of decorations.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available.

- Substitute limes for lemons for a different citrus flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Frozen Christmas Wreath ahead of time and store it in the freezer until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Frozen Christmas Wreath with a dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Frozen Christmas Wreath with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider for a celebratory pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Frozen Christmas Wreath in the freezer in an airtight container. Allow it to thaw slightly before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 100 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of Vitamin C from the cranberries and lemons.

Alergens

This recipe may contain citrus allergens.

Summary

The Frozen Christmas Wreath is a low-calorie dessert that is rich in Vitamin C and carbohydrates.

Summary

The Frozen Christmas Wreath is a stunning and delicious dessert that is perfect for holiday celebrations. This festive treat is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and refreshing flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for a Frozen Christmas Wreath. It was a chilly December morning, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, searching for inspiration for my holiday baking, a beautiful photo caught my eye. It was a wreath made of frozen cranberries, mint leaves, and sparkling sugar, all held together with a delicate mixture of gelatin and whipped cream.

I had never seen anything like it before. The wreath looked so festive and elegant, like something straight out of a winter wonderland. I knew right away that I had to try making it for my family's Christmas dinner.

I read through the recipe carefully, taking note of all the ingredients and steps involved. It seemed like a complicated dish, but I was determined to master it. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - fresh cranberries, mint leaves, sugar, gelatin, heavy cream, and a few drops of peppermint extract for an extra festive touch.

I started by preparing the gelatin mixture, dissolving it in hot water and letting it cool until it was just beginning to set. In a separate bowl, I whipped the heavy cream until it formed stiff peaks, then gently folded in the gelatin mixture. The cream took on a light pink hue from the gelatin, giving it a subtle festive look.

Next, I carefully arranged the cranberries and mint leaves in a ring-shaped mold, pouring the whipped cream mixture over the top. I smoothed the surface with a spatula, making sure the cream filled all the nooks and crannies of the wreath.

I placed the mold in the freezer and waited patiently for the wreath to set. As the hours passed, I could hardly contain my excitement. I imagined the look of delight on my family's faces when I unveiled the finished wreath at our Christmas dinner.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I carefully unmolded the wreath onto a serving platter, holding my breath as I lifted the mold away. The wreath held its shape perfectly, the cranberries and mint leaves glistening like jewels in the creamy snow. I sprinkled the wreath with sparkling sugar, adding a touch of festive shimmer.

As my family gathered around the table, their eyes widened in awe at the sight of the Frozen Christmas Wreath. I could see the wonder and delight in their faces, and my heart swelled with pride. This dish was not just a recipe; it was a work of art, a labor of love that I had created for my loved ones.

As we enjoyed the wreath together, savoring the sweet and tangy flavors of the cranberries and mint, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and culinary wisdom that had been passed down to me over the years. From my grandmother to my mother, and now to me, each generation had added their own touch to our family's holiday traditions.

And so, as we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I knew that this Frozen Christmas Wreath would become a new favorite in our holiday repertoire. It was a symbol of the joy and togetherness that the season brought, a reminder of the magic that could be found in a simple recipe and a loving heart.

As I looked around at my family, their smiles warm and bright, I knew that this dish would be more than just a dessert. It would be a memory, a tradition, a legacy that would be passed down to future generations. And I couldn't wait to see where the journey of this Frozen Christmas Wreath would take us next.