Icy Strawberries and Melon

Icy Strawberries and Melon Recipe - A Refreshing Summer Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Icy Strawberries and Melon is a refreshing and delicious dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh California strawberries with the juicy cantaloupe and honeydew melon, creating a delightful treat that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional fruit sorbets and ice creams. The combination of strawberries and melon is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. By adding a creamy strawberry sauce, this recipe takes the flavors to a whole new level.

Ingredients

0.67 cup sugar
0.67 cup water
1.5 pt (710 ml) baskets fresh California strawberries
1.5 cup cantaloupe cubes
2 tbsp crème de cassis (black currant liqueur), optional
strawberry cream sauce (recipe follows)
1.5 cup cantaloupe and/or honeydew melon balls
mint sprigs

Strawberry cream sauce

0.5 basket strawberries
0.25 cup whipping cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar

How to prepare

In a small saucepan, stir together the sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Remove the stems from one basket of strawberries and puree them in an electric blender along with the cantaloupe cubes, lemon juice, and crème de cassis.
Stir in the cooled sugar mixture.
Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl and freeze until it is firm, leaving about 1 inch of unfrozen mixture around the edges.
Break up the frozen mixture with a spoon and beat it until it is almost smooth.
Cover the bowl and freeze it for several hours until it is completely firm.
To serve, let the strawberry cantaloupe ice sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Spoon 2 tbsp of the strawberry cream sauce into 8 shallow serving dishes.
Top each dish with balls or small scoops of the strawberry cantaloupe ice and the remaining strawberries, dividing them equally.
Garnish with mint sprigs.

Strawberry cream sauce

Remove the stems from the strawberries and puree them in an electric blender.
Stir in the whipping cream and powdered sugar.

Variations

You can substitute the strawberries and melons with other fruits such as peaches, raspberries, or mangoes.
For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut cream instead of whipping cream in the strawberry sauce.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or granola on top for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe and sweet strawberries and melons for the best flavor.

- Be sure to allow the sugar mixture to cool completely before adding it to the fruit puree.

- For a more intense flavor, you can add black currant liqueur to the mixture.

- To make the strawberry cream sauce extra smooth, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Icy Strawberries and Melon as a light and refreshing dessert after a summer barbecue or picnic. It pairs well with a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity cocktail.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Icy Strawberries and Melon is to freeze the mixture in a shallow bowl and break it up with a spoon to create a smooth texture. Be sure to allow the dessert to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have black currant liqueur, you can omit it from the recipe. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the strawberry cream sauce and freeze the strawberry cantaloupe ice a day in advance. Simply let the dessert sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving of Icy Strawberries and Melon with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also drizzle some extra strawberry cream sauce on top for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Icy Strawberries and Melon pairs well with a variety of beverages such as white wine, champagne, or a fruity cocktail. It also goes well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Icy Strawberries and Melon in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Icy Strawberries and Melon contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Icy Strawberries and Melon contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Icy Strawberries and Melon contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Icy Strawberries and Melon contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, thanks to the fresh strawberries and melons used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (whipping cream) and alcohol (black currant liqueur), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or alcohol allergies.

Summary

Icy Strawberries and Melon is a low-fat, low-protein dessert that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a refreshing and guilt-free treat that is perfect for a hot summer day.

Summary

Icy Strawberries and Melon is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the juicy cantaloupe and honeydew melon, creating a light and guilt-free treat that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this delicious dessert with a glass of wine or a fruity cocktail for the ultimate summer indulgence.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through a cookbook that my dear friend had given me as a gift. As I flipped through the pages, a picture of the most refreshing and delicious-looking dish caught my eye - Icy Strawberries and Melon. The vibrant colors of the ripe strawberries and juicy melon chunks, glistening with a light syrup and dusted with a touch of mint, looked absolutely irresistible.

I immediately set out to gather the ingredients for this tantalizing treat. I headed to the farmers market to pick up some freshly picked strawberries and a ripe cantaloupe. As I selected the perfect produce, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew that this recipe would be a hit with my family and friends, and I couldn't wait to try it out.

When I got home, I carefully washed and sliced the strawberries and melon, taking care to remove any seeds or stems. I then mixed together a simple syrup made with sugar and water, and added a splash of lemon juice for a hint of brightness. Once the syrup had cooled, I poured it over the fruit and gently tossed everything together, making sure that each piece was coated in the sweet liquid.

I placed the bowl of strawberries and melon in the refrigerator to chill, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop a refreshing, icy texture. As I waited for the dish to chill, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had collected over the years - each one a treasure trove of memories and flavors passed down through generations.

I remembered my grandmother teaching me how to make her famous apple pie, with its flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced filling. I recalled my mother showing me how to make her hearty beef stew, simmered low and slow until the meat was tender and the vegetables were soft and flavorful. And I thought about all the friends and neighbors who had shared their favorite recipes with me, each one a unique and delicious creation that told a story of its own.

As the hours passed and the sun began to set, I finally took the bowl of Icy Strawberries and Melon out of the refrigerator. The fruit glistened with a light sheen of syrup, and the aroma of sweet strawberries and ripe melon filled the air. I knew that this dish was going to be a hit, and I couldn't wait to share it with my loved ones.

I plated the strawberries and melon on a large serving dish, garnishing it with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. As I set the dish on the table, I watched as my family and friends eagerly dug in, their faces lighting up with delight as they savored the sweet and refreshing combination of fruit and syrup.

The Icy Strawberries and Melon were a huge hit, disappearing within minutes as everyone went back for seconds and thirds. As I watched the empty plate being passed around, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe, which had caught my eye in a cookbook on a hot summer day, had turned out to be a delicious and refreshing treat that brought joy and happiness to those around me.

And as we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I knew that this recipe would become a new favorite in my collection - a treasure that would be passed down through the generations, just like all the others that had come before it.