Fruit Sherbet

Fruit Sherbet Recipe from Haiti: A Refreshing and Guilt-Free Dessert Option

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 6 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fruit sherbet is a delicious frozen dessert made with fresh fruit, milk, sugar, and gelatin. It is a refreshing treat perfect for hot summer days or as a light and fruity dessert after a meal.

History

Sherbet has been enjoyed for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle East. Originally made with fruit juices, sugar, and water, sherbet was a popular treat in the Ottoman Empire. Over time, variations of sherbet were created, including the addition of milk to create a creamier texture. Today, fruit sherbet is enjoyed all over the world in a variety of flavors.

Ingredients

1.75 lb (794 g) of fresh ripe fruit (melon, papaya, mango, guava)
3 drops of yellow food color (or color of fruit, optional)
4 cups of milk
0.5 cup of sugar
2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
0.75 cup of light corn syrup
0.75 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Peel and seed the fruit. Cut it into chunks. In a covered blender, blend the fruit (you may use any fruit of your choice) and 1 cup of milk at medium speed until smooth. Set it aside.
In a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, sprinkle the 2 envelopes of gelatin evenly over 1 cup of milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fruit mixture, remaining milk, corn syrup, and remaining ingredients. The mixture may have a curdled appearance. Pour the mixture into a 13" by 9" baking pan. Cover it with foil and freeze until partially frozen, about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Spoon the mixture into a chilled large bowl. With a mixer at medium speed, beat it until smooth but still frozen. For a smooth sherbet, you must keep the fruit mixture frozen while beating it, so it’s best if you chill the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for a while. If the mixture melts, ice crystals may form, resulting in a coarse, icy texture.
Repeat the previous step with the beaten mixture. Return the mixture to the pan. Cover it and freeze until firm, about 3 hours.

Variations

Experiment with different fruits such as mango, strawberry, or pineapple to create unique and delicious flavors of sherbet. You can also add a splash of citrus juice for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe fruit for the best flavor in your sherbet.

- Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer before beating the fruit mixture will help keep it frozen and result in a smoother texture.

- Stir the partially frozen mixture occasionally while it is in the baking pan to ensure even freezing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fruit sherbet in chilled bowls or cones for a fun and refreshing treat. Top with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the fruit and milk together creates a smooth and creamy base for the sherbet. Beating the partially frozen mixture helps to incorporate air and create a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a sweeter sherbet, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use honey or agave nectar as a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Fruit sherbet can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Presentation Ideas

Serve fruit sherbet in elegant glass dishes for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a touch of sophistication.

Pairing Recommendations

Fruit sherbet pairs well with a variety of desserts such as cake, pie, or cookies. It also makes a delicious topping for pancakes or waffles.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover fruit sherbet in an airtight container in the freezer. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fruit sherbet contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fruit sherbet contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fruit sherbet contains approximately 2 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of fruit sherbet contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit sherbet is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the fresh fruit used in the recipe. It also contains calcium and potassium from the milk and fruit.

Alergens

This recipe contains milk and gelatin, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Fruit sherbet is a light and refreshing dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Fruit sherbet is a delightful frozen dessert that is easy to make and full of fresh fruit flavor. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and refreshing treat that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Fruit Sherbet. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara. We were sitting in her kitchen, sipping on lemonade and chatting about our latest culinary experiments. Clara was known for her delicious desserts, and she had a knack for creating the most mouthwatering treats out of the simplest ingredients.

As we chatted, Clara suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a tattered old recipe book. She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for, a stained and well-loved recipe for Fruit Sherbet. She handed me the book with a twinkle in her eye and said, "You have to try this recipe, it's a family favorite."

I eagerly scanned the recipe, taking in the list of ingredients and the detailed instructions. It seemed simple enough, just a combination of fresh fruit, sugar, and cream. But I could tell from the way Clara talked about it that this sherbet was something special, something worth sharing with loved ones.

I thanked Clara profusely and promised to give the recipe a try. That very afternoon, I went home and gathered the ingredients I needed to make the Fruit Sherbet. I carefully followed the instructions, blending together ripe peaches, strawberries, and raspberries with a generous amount of sugar and a splash of cream. The aroma that filled my kitchen was pure heaven, and I knew I was onto something special.

After a few hours in the freezer, the sherbet was ready to be enjoyed. I scooped out generous portions into bowls and topped them with fresh mint leaves for a touch of elegance. The first bite of the sherbet was pure bliss – the sweet and tangy flavors of the fruit melded together perfectly, creating a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family. They were blown away by the taste and texture of the sherbet, and it quickly became a staple at our summer gatherings. I made the sherbet for every birthday, barbecue, and holiday celebration, and it never failed to impress.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my family's tastes. I experimented with different fruits, adding in mangoes, kiwis, and even a hint of citrus for a zesty twist. Each variation was met with rave reviews, and I knew I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

But the true magic of the Fruit Sherbet wasn't just in its delicious taste – it was in the memories it created. I made the sherbet for my children as they grew up, watching their faces light up with joy as they took their first bites. I made it for my grandchildren, telling them stories of how I learned the recipe from my dear friend Clara all those years ago.

And now, as I sit here in my kitchen, reflecting on the countless times I've made this Fruit Sherbet, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life. The joy of creating something delicious with your own two hands, the happiness of sharing it with the ones you love, and the memories that last a lifetime.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a sweet and refreshing treat on a hot summer day, look no further than my recipe for Fruit Sherbet. It may just become a family favorite for you, too.