Blackberry ice cream

Blackberry Ice Cream - A Delicious Treat for Summer

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 3-4 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

With every bite of this blackberry ice cream, you will feel the fresh and sweet-tart flavor of summer. This simple and quick ice cream recipe does not require an ice cream maker and is perfect for making at home. It is an excellent choice for hot days, but also for moments when you want to indulge in an elegant and refined dessert.

A Bit of History

Ice cream has a fascinating history, evolving over the centuries. From simple mixtures of ice and fruit to the creamy delicacies of today, ice cream has captivated the tastes of people everywhere. Blackberries, with their vibrant color and delicious taste, have long been used to create refreshing desserts, and their combination with egg cream and mascarpone transforms this recipe into a true delight.

Ingredients

- 1 egg
- 50 g sugar
- 50 ml milk
- 250 g mascarpone
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 300 g fresh (or frozen) blackberries

Preparing Blackberry Ice Cream

Step 1: Preparing the Egg Cream
Start by beating the egg with the sugar in a bowl until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is an essential step for achieving a smooth and airy ice cream base. Add the milk and mix well. Then, place the mixture over medium heat or in a double boiler, stirring constantly until the cream thickens slightly. It should not reach boiling point, just become thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, let the cream cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Blackberry Puree
Wash the blackberries with cold water and remove any impurities. Place them in a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth puree. If you want a more refined texture, strain the puree through a sieve to remove the seeds. This step is crucial, especially if you are making the ice cream for children or picky eaters.

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
Once the egg cream has reached room temperature, add the blackberry puree and mix well. In another bowl, whip the liquid cream with the vanilla sugar until it becomes firm, then incorporate the mascarpone. This combination brings a creamy texture and sophisticated flavor. Start adding the egg cream and blackberry mixture to the bowl with whipped cream and mascarpone, gently folding with a spatula to maintain the air in the cream.

Step 4: Freezing
Once you have a homogeneous mixture, pour the composition into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. Let the ice cream cool for 3-4 hours. Unlike other recipes, you will not need to stir it during the freezing process, due to the high fat content in the mascarpone and cream, which prevents the formation of ice crystals.

Practical Tips

- You can use frozen blackberries if you can't find fresh fruit, but make sure to thaw them before blending.
- If you want an extra note, you can add a little lemon juice to the blackberry puree, which will enhance the fruit's flavor.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create delicious variations of this ice cream.

Serving and Combinations

Blackberry ice cream is best served in an elegant bowl or in a crispy waffle cone. You can decorate with a few whole blackberries and fresh mint leaves for a special look. This ice cream pairs perfectly with warm chocolate sauce or a glass of prosecco, turning it into a festive dessert.

Nutritional Benefits

Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and are excellent for heart health. Additionally, mascarpone provides a calcium boost, while cream offers an energy dose. However, it is best to consume this delicious ice cream in moderation, considering it has a high caloric content. A serving can have around 250-300 calories, but it is well worth the indulgence!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace blackberries with other berries or even bananas for a sweeter version.

2. What should I do if the ice cream becomes too hard?
Leave the ice cream at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, to soften it slightly.

3. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Sure, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences, but be careful not to affect the final texture of the ice cream.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Blackberry ice cream is a treat that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and turn any ordinary day into a special one. Enjoy!