Sparkling Strawberry Ice
Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Introduction
Sparkling Strawberry Ice is a refreshing and delightful dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. This icy treat is bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and a hint of orange-flavored liqueur. It is a simple and elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
History
The origins of Sparkling Strawberry Ice can be traced back to Italy, where it is known as "Fragola Ghiacciata." This frozen dessert has been enjoyed for centuries, especially during the warm summer months when fresh strawberries are in season. The combination of strawberries, sugar, and citrus flavors creates a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of sugar
- 0.5 cup of water
- 2 pt (946 ml) of strawberries
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
- 0.25 cup of orange-flavored liqueur
How to prepare
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
- Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- In the container of an electric blender, combine the sugar mixture, strawberries, lemon juice, and liqueur.
- Blend until smooth, scraping the sides of the container as needed.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow bowl.
- When frozen about 1 inch around the edge, process in an electric blender or food processor until smooth.
- Return to the freezer and freeze until firm.
- Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before serving.
- Spoon into individual dishes.
- Garnish each serving with additional strawberries and serve with cookies, if desired.
Variations
- Try using different berries such as raspberries or blueberries for a variation on this recipe.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a unique flavor twist.
- Top the Sparkling Strawberry Ice with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe and sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the orange-flavored liqueur.
- Be sure to blend the mixture until smooth to achieve a creamy texture.
- Serve the Sparkling Strawberry Ice in chilled bowls for an extra refreshing touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sparkling Strawberry Ice in chilled bowls and garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with shortbread cookies or almond biscotti for a delicious accompaniment.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making Sparkling Strawberry Ice is to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Be sure to freeze the mixture until firm before serving for the best texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have orange-flavored liqueur, you can substitute with orange juice or orange zest for a similar flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the Sparkling Strawberry Ice ahead of time and store it in the freezer until ready to serve. Simply remove it from the freezer 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
Presentation Ideas
For a beautiful presentation, serve the Sparkling Strawberry Ice in chilled glass bowls and garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint. You can also drizzle a little honey or balsamic reduction on top for an elegant touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Sparkling Strawberry Ice pairs well with a glass of Prosecco or Moscato for a light and refreshing dessert pairing. You can also serve it with a fruit salad or sorbet for a complete summer dessert spread.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Sparkling Strawberry Ice in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Sparkling Strawberry Ice contains approximately 120 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Sparkling Strawberry Ice contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
This dessert is low in fat, with only a minimal amount coming from the strawberries and orange-flavored liqueur.
Proteins
There is a negligible amount of protein in Sparkling Strawberry Ice.
Vitamins and minerals
Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants, making this dessert a healthy choice.
Alergens
This recipe may contain allergens such as strawberries and alcohol (orange-flavored liqueur). Please check for any specific allergens that may affect you or your guests.
Summary
Sparkling Strawberry Ice is a light and refreshing dessert that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants from the strawberries.
Summary
Sparkling Strawberry Ice is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for summer entertaining. This icy treat is bursting with the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and a hint of orange-flavored liqueur. Serve it in chilled bowls with fresh strawberries and mint for a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, just like today, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and frayed, but the recipes within were pure gold.
As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Sparkling Strawberry Ice. The name alone was enough to pique my interest, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.
The recipe called for fresh strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and sparkling water. It seemed simple enough, but the end result promised to be a refreshing and satisfying treat. I could almost taste the sweet strawberries and tangy lemon as I imagined myself making it.
I knew I had to give it a try, so I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. I washed and hulled the strawberries, then blended them into a smooth puree. I added the sugar and lemon juice, then poured in the sparkling water and stirred it all together.
The mixture sparkled and fizzed as I poured it into a shallow pan, then placed it in the freezer to set. I couldn't wait to taste the final product, but I knew I had to be patient and let it freeze completely.
Hours later, I eagerly took the pan out of the freezer and scooped out a spoonful of the Sparkling Strawberry Ice. The texture was light and airy, almost like a slushie, but the flavor was out of this world. The strawberries were sweet and juicy, while the lemon added a bright and refreshing zing.
I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I immediately called my friends and family to come over and try it, and they all raved about how amazing it tasted. From that day on, Sparkling Strawberry Ice became a staple in my summer dessert repertoire.
Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a splash of mint or a hint of vanilla, but the core ingredients always remain the same. It's a recipe that never fails to impress, and I love sharing it with others.
I often wonder where this recipe came from. Perhaps it was passed down through generations, like the cookbook itself. Or maybe it was discovered by chance, by someone who had a knack for combining flavors in unexpected ways.
Regardless of its origins, I am grateful to have found it and made it a part of my culinary repertoire. It's a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that come to us unexpectedly, like a gift from the culinary gods.
As I sit here, enjoying a bowl of Sparkling Strawberry Ice on this warm summer day, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures in life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and finding new recipes to try and share with others brings me joy like nothing else.
So here's to the Sparkling Strawberry Ice, a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart. May it bring joy and delight to all who taste it, just as it has done for me. Cheers to good food, good friends, and the simple joys of life.