Mango Cherry Semifreddo

Mango Cherry Semifreddo Recipe from Italy

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

Introduction

Mango Cherry Semifreddo is a delightful frozen dessert that combines the sweet and tropical flavors of mango with the tartness of red cherries. This refreshing treat is perfect for hot summer days or as a light and fruity dessert after a meal.

History

Semifreddo is a traditional Italian dessert that translates to "half-cold" in English. It is a frozen dessert that has a mousse-like texture and is typically made with a combination of whipped cream, eggs, and sugar. The addition of mango and cherries in this recipe gives it a unique and delicious twist.

Ingredients

Semifreddo

1.5 cups of tart red cherries
3 mangoes, cut into chunks
3 tbsp of honey
0.5 cups of sour cream
5 large eggs
0.5 cups of sugar

Cherry sauce

1.5 cups of tart red cherries
0.25 cups of sugar
0.25 cups of water

How to prepare

Semifreddo

Cut the cherries into small pieces.
Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil and freeze until very hard.
Line an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick foil and place it in the freezer.
Puree the mango and honey in a blender until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and whisk in the sour cream until well blended.
Put the eggs and sugar in a bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, and beat the mixture until it becomes thick and triples in volume.
Remove from heat and fold it into the mango mixture.
Fold in half of the frozen cherries into the mixture and pour it into the springform pan.
Scatter the remaining frozen cherries over the top of the batter.
Freeze until it becomes solid.

Cherry sauce

In a saucepan, bring the ingredients for the sauce to a boil and let it boil for 6 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a blender and puree it.
Pour the sauce into a container and refrigerate it until serving.

To serve

Remove the sides from the springform pan.
Cut the semifreddo into wedges and place them on plates.
Let it stand until slightly softened.
Serve with cherry sauce and diced mango.

Variations

Substitute the mango with another tropical fruit such as pineapple or papaya for a different flavor profile.
Use frozen mixed berries instead of cherries for a berry-infused semifreddo.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to freeze the cherries until they are very hard before adding them to the semifreddo mixture. This will help them retain their shape and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the dessert.

- Be sure to whisk the eggs and sugar until they become thick and triple in volume. This will help give the semifreddo a light and airy texture.

- When serving the semifreddo, let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly soften before cutting into wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mango Cherry Semifreddo with a drizzle of cherry sauce and diced mango on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fold in the whipped egg mixture gently to maintain the light and airy texture of the semifreddo.

- Puree the mango and honey until smooth to ensure a creamy and smooth consistency in the dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or coconut cream instead of sour cream for a dairy-free alternative.

- Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version of the dessert.

Make Ahead Tips

The Mango Cherry Semifreddo can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to a week. Simply remove it from the freezer a few minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Mango Cherry Semifreddo with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a decorative touch. Serve it in individual ramekins or dessert glasses for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Mango Cherry Semifreddo with a glass of Moscato or Prosecco for a sweet and bubbly combination. Alternatively, enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mango Cherry Semifreddo in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until slightly softened before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of daily value per serving

Vitamin A: 20% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains eggs and dairy

Summary

This Mango Cherry Semifreddo is a delicious dessert that is rich in vitamins and minerals, while also providing a moderate amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Mango Cherry Semifreddo is a delicious and refreshing frozen dessert that combines the tropical flavors of mango with the tartness of red cherries. This light and airy treat is perfect for summer days or as a sweet ending to a meal. Enjoy it with a drizzle of cherry sauce and diced mango for a delightful dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. As we sat in her garden, sipping on homemade limoncello, she brought out a tray of the most exquisite looking dessert I had ever seen - Mango Cherry Semifreddo.

Maria explained to me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and that she had learned how to make it from her grandmother when she was just a young girl. She told me stories of how they would pick fresh mangoes and cherries from the trees in their backyard, and how they would spend hours in the kitchen together, preparing this delicious treat for special occasions.

I was captivated by Maria's passion for cooking and her dedication to preserving her family's culinary traditions. I knew that I had to learn how to make Mango Cherry Semifreddo myself, so that I could share this special dessert with my own loved ones.

Maria graciously agreed to teach me her family's recipe, and we spent the next few days in her kitchen, laughing and cooking together. She showed me how to puree ripe mangoes and cherries, and how to fold them into a fluffy mixture of whipped cream and sugar. She taught me the importance of patience and precision in the kitchen, and how to infuse each step of the recipe with love and care.

After hours of preparation, we poured the mixture into a loaf pan and placed it in the freezer to set. As we waited for the semifreddo to chill, Maria regaled me with stories of her childhood in Italy, and of the joy and comfort that cooking had always brought her. I listened intently, soaking in every word and savoring every moment of our time together.

Finally, the semifreddo was ready, and we eagerly sliced into it, savoring every bite of the creamy, fruity dessert. The flavors of the mango and cherry mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of sweetness and freshness that danced on my taste buds. I knew in that moment that this recipe was truly something special, a treasure to be cherished and shared with those we hold dear.

As I said goodbye to Maria and returned home, I carried with me not only the recipe for Mango Cherry Semifreddo, but also the memories of our time together in her kitchen. I vowed to make this dessert for my own family and friends, to pass down the tradition and the love that Maria had shared with me.

And so, whenever I prepare Mango Cherry Semifreddo in my own kitchen, I am transported back to that sunny day in Italy, to the laughter and stories shared with a dear friend, and to the joy of cooking and creating something truly special. This recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.