Lemon and strawberry ice cream

Lemon and Strawberry Ice Cream: A Refreshing Delight for Summer Days

The ice cream season is here, and I can't think of a better dessert than lemon ice cream with strawberries. This is a simple recipe, yet full of fresh and invigorating flavors that will pamper you on the hottest summer days. When it comes to ice cream, the key is to use quality ingredients. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Freezing time: 4-6 hours
Total time: 4-6 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- Juice of 2 large lemons and juice from 150 g of fresh strawberries
- Zest of 1 lemon (large pieces)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 700 g cream (ideally fresh, high-quality heavy cream; I recommend LaDorna's sweet cream for whipping, which is easy to find in supermarkets)
- A pinch of salt (optional, but recommended to enhance the flavors)

Preparation

1. Preparing the lemons: Start by washing the lemons thoroughly with water and a little dish soap. Rinse them very well to remove any traces of detergent. This step is essential to ensure your ice cream will have a clean and fresh taste.

2. Infusing the flavor: In a small saucepan, add 1/4 of the cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Place the mixture over low heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. This process will allow the lemon zest to release its flavor. Once the sugar has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.

3. Straining the mixture: Using a fine sieve, strain the mixture, pressing down on the lemon zest to extract all the flavor. This step is important to obtain a smooth and flavorful ice cream.

4. Adding the lemon juice: After the mixture has cooled, add the lemon juice and mix well. Now is the time to add a little strawberry juice; this detail will not only color the ice cream but also enrich the flavor with a hint of sweetness.

5. Whipping the cream: In a large bowl, whip the remaining cream until it becomes firm, but don’t overbeat it to avoid making butter. Add 1/4 of the cream to the lemon mixture and mix well. Then, add the remaining cream and gently fold it in with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to keep the air in the cream.

6. Freezing: Pour the mixture into airtight plastic containers and place them in the freezer set to maximum. Allow the ice cream to harden well for 4-6 hours. After it has hardened, you can set the freezer to minimum, but no lower.

Serving and Suggestions

To serve the lemon and strawberry ice cream, take it out of the freezer about 10 minutes before serving, so it becomes easier to scoop. You can garnish it with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for an elegant touch. Another suggestion is to serve it with a fruit syrup or white chocolate sauce, which will add a decadent note.

Helpful Tips

- Choose quality cream: A fresh, heavy cream will make your ice cream creamy and delicious. Avoid sour cream, as it will create an unpleasant texture.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add other fruits such as raspberries or peaches to diversify the flavors. You can also replace some of the lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter version.
- Ice cream is not just served in cups: You can use this lemon ice cream as a filling for cakes or as a topping for pancakes or waffles, giving them a refreshing note.

Nutritional Benefits

Lemon and strawberry ice cream is not only delicious but also beneficial! Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, the cream provides healthy fats that aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What can I do if the ice cream is too hard? If your ice cream has frozen too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- Can I use lemon ice cream as a base for other recipes? Absolutely! This ice cream can be used as a filling for summer cakes or as an ingredient in refreshing drinks.
- How can I keep the ice cream fresh longer? Make sure the containers are well sealed and that the ice cream is not exposed to air to prevent ice crystals from forming.

This lemon and strawberry ice cream recipe is perfect for enjoying on hot summer days. With every spoonful, it will pamper you with fresh and invigorating flavors, and the preparation process is a true summer ritual. So, let’s enjoy the sun and the sweet-tart taste of this delicious ice cream!