Bitter cherry ice cream

Sour Cherry Ice Cream: A Refreshing Delight for Warm Days

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8

I invite you to join a culinary journey full of flavor and freshness, where sour cherries become the stars of a refreshing dessert, perfect for delighting your taste buds. Sour cherry ice cream is a simple yet refined recipe that will make you fall in love with it at first taste. Whether you serve it at a party, on a picnic in the park, or simply as a personal treat, this ice cream will bring a smile to your face and to the faces of your loved ones.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Ice cream, in its various forms, has been appreciated over time as a symbol of summer and joy. Cherries, with their intense and slightly tart flavor, have been used in many desserts, but their combination with cream creates a creamy texture and a unique taste. This recipe is a modern reinterpretation of a classic dessert, bringing together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 kg sour cherries, pitted
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 liter liquid cream (minimum 35% fat)

Ingredient Details

- Sour cherries: These are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, with an intense and slightly tart flavor. You can use them fresh or frozen, but make sure they are well pitted.
- Sugar: Essential for balancing the acidity of the cherries. You can adjust the amount according to your sweetness preference.
- Rum essence: Provides a distinct flavor and an exotic note to the ice cream. You can also experiment with other flavors, but rum pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Liquid cream: Choose a cream with a high fat content to achieve a creamy and airy texture.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the cherries:
- Start by washing the sour cherries well. After pitting them, place them in a bowl and add the 5 tablespoons of sugar. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This process will help extract the juice from the cherries and intensify the flavor.

2. Preparing the cream:
- The next day, take the liquid cream out of the refrigerator and place it in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream on medium speed until it becomes a thick, airy cream. Be careful not to overbeat it, to avoid turning it into butter.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
- Take 3/4 of the prepared cherries (with the syrup) and place them in a blender. Add the rum essence and blend until you obtain a smooth paste.
- Carefully fold the cherry paste into the cream using a spatula. Use an up-and-down motion to maintain the airiness of the cream, ensuring there are no unmixed streaks of cream.

4. Freezing:
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, cover it, and place it in the freezer for about two hours. After this time, take it out and mix it well with a spatula to avoid ice crystal formation.
- Repeat this process every 30 minutes for about two hours, until the ice cream is completely frozen.

5. Serving:
- Serve the ice cream with the remaining cherries, drizzled with a bit of syrup from the bowl. You can also add fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.

Practical Tips

- Fresh or frozen cherries?: If you don't have fresh cherries, feel free to use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- Perfect texture: If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop.
- Vegan option: You can replace the liquid cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut cream, to create a delicious vegan ice cream.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This sour cherry ice cream has about 250 calories per serving (depending on the amount of sugar and cream used). Cherries are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and the cream provides healthy fats, but should be consumed in moderation. This recipe is perfect for treating yourself without compromising your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits?: Of course! You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches, raspberries, or strawberries, adjusting the sugar amounts according to their sweetness.
- How long can the ice cream be stored?: If stored in an airtight container in the freezer, the ice cream can last up to 2-3 months. Make sure to scoop it with a clean spatula to avoid contamination.

Delicious Combinations

This sour cherry ice cream pairs perfectly with lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy a glass of white wine or a fruit cocktail, which will perfectly complement this dessert.

I conclude with a thought: sour cherry ice cream is not just a simple dessert, but a seasonal experience that will remind you of warm days and beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process! Enjoy your meal!