Fruit salad and vanilla ice cream (otherwise)

Fruit Salad with Vanilla Ice Cream and a Hint of Cognac

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a fresh fruit salad? It's a simple yet flavorful dessert that brings back memories of warm summer days. Today, I will introduce you to a unique fruit salad recipe, featuring a subtle hint of cognac and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination will not only delight your taste buds but also transform an ordinary dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh strawberries
- 1 grapefruit
- 2 apples (preferably one tart and one sweet)
- 1 orange
- 50 ml cognac (or another preferred liqueur; for a non-alcoholic version, you can omit this ingredient)
- Vanilla ice cream (preferably artisanal for a more intense flavor)

The history of fruit salad is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. This dessert has evolved over time, adapting to available ingredients and local preferences. Nowadays, fruit salad is appreciated for its versatility, served as an appetizer, dessert, or even a healthy breakfast.

Preparation:
1. Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly. I recommend choosing the ripest ones, as they will add a sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish. Slice them thinly and place them in a large bowl.

2. Peel the apples (if you prefer, you can leave the skin on for a rustic look) and cut them into small cubes. Choose varieties that complement each other: a sweet apple like Gala and a tart one like Granny Smith.

3. Next, prepare the grapefruit. Remove the skin and white membranes to reach the juicy flesh. Tear the grapefruit into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl with the other fruits.

4. The orange should be carefully peeled. Remove the skin and membranes, then cut the flesh into cubes. This will add a splash of freshness and a pleasant contrast of acidity.

5. Once all the fruits are in the bowl, gently pour 50 ml of cognac over them. This ingredient will enhance the flavors and add an elegant touch to your salad. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, being careful not to crush the fruits.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the fruits to meld and reveal their natural flavors.

7. After the chilling time is up, take the bowl out of the refrigerator and prepare your plates. Serve a generous portion of fruit salad on each plate, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of fresh fruits with creamy ice cream will create an explosion of textures and flavors.

8. For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the plates with a few fresh mint leaves. This detail will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a note of freshness.

Practical tips:
- Choose seasonal fruits for optimal flavor. Summer brings the sweetest and most aromatic strawberries, while winter is perfect for citrus fruits.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert, you can replace the cognac with freshly squeezed orange juice or maple syrup.
- Vanilla ice cream can be substituted with other flavors, such as caramel or chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- Experiment by adding some toasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits:
This fruit salad is not only delicious but also healthy! Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, while apples contain fiber that aids digestion. Grapefruit is known for its detoxifying properties, and oranges provide a significant amount of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with any favorite fruits, such as peaches, kiwi, or bananas.

2. How long can the fruit salad be stored?
It is recommended to consume the fruit salad on the same day to enjoy its freshness and flavor.

3. Can I make the fruit salad without cognac?
Of course, you can omit the cognac or use natural fruit juice to maintain a pleasant taste.

4. What other desserts can this salad be paired with?
This fruit salad is perfect as a complement to cakes, muffins, or even a light cheesecake.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! I assure you that each bite will be an explosion of flavors and textures, and this quick dessert will surely become one of your favorites. Enjoy!