Mascarpone ice cream with wine and raisin syrup

Mascarpone Ice Cream with Wine and Raisin Syrup

Who doesn’t love a creamy ice cream, especially when it’s paired with a sweet and aromatic syrup? This mascarpone ice cream recipe with wine and raisins is sure to become your favorite, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to any occasion. Whether you serve it at a party, on a summer evening, or simply to indulge yourself and your loved ones, this ice cream promises to be a true delight.

Total preparation time: 5 hours (including freezing time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time (heating and boiling): 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the syrup:
- 120 ml dessert wine
- 120 g raisins
- 90 g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 60 ml water

For the ice cream:
- 300 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons honey
- 60 g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
- 250 g mascarpone

A Brief History

Ice cream, a beloved dessert enjoyed by people of all ages, has its origins in ancient times when mixtures of ice and fruit were made. Over time, recipes have diversified, and today we have a wide range of ingredients and flavors at our disposal. The combination of mascarpone and wine in this recipe brings a sophisticated touch, transforming a simple dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the syrup

1. Start by placing the raisins in a bowl and adding the wine. Let them soak for 2 hours. This step is essential as the raisins will absorb the wine's flavor, resulting in an intense and sweet taste.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and water (60 ml). Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a clear syrup.

3. Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat and bring the syrup to a boil. Add the soaked raisins and boil everything for 5 minutes. You’ll notice the syrup becoming thicker and more aromatic.

4. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator. It’s important for it to be well chilled before serving.

Step 2: Prepare the ice cream

1. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, honey, and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, increase the heat and bring the mixture close to a boil.

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir to combine the flavors.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour the hot milk over the yolks, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy ice cream.

4. Add the mascarpone cheese and mix well, ensuring there are no lumps. The mixture should be smooth and homogeneous.

5. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any impurities. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 3: Freezing process

1. After an hour, transfer the mixture to the freezer. After 1 hour, remove it and vigorously mix with a spatula or mixer to break up the ice crystals. Repeat this process 3-4 times at one-hour intervals. This step will ensure a smooth and creamy texture of the ice cream.

2. Before finishing the ice cream, set aside 2/3 of the raisins.

3. Once you’ve finished mixing, transfer the ice cream to a plastic container and fold in the reserved raisins along with 2 tablespoons of syrup. Ensure they are evenly distributed.

4. Cover the container and place it back in the freezer for at least 2 hours.

Step 4: Serving

1. When the ice cream is fully frozen, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will make scooping easier.

2. Serve the ice cream in a bowl or a cup, drizzled with the remaining syrup and topped with a few raisins. You’ll notice how the flavors blend perfectly, providing an unforgettable taste experience.

Tips and Variations

- If you want to add a touch of authenticity, you can use a flavored or sparkling wine that you enjoy.
- You can substitute the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for a slightly different taste.
- Instead of brown sugar, you can experiment with honey or maple syrup to achieve a natural sweetness.
- This ice cream pairs wonderfully with chocolate cakes or fruit tarts, providing a pleasant contrast on the plate.

Nutritional Information

This mascarpone ice cream with wine and raisins has approximately 350 calories per serving, but it is packed with nutrients from dairy products and dried fruits. The mascarpone provides healthy fats and proteins, while the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. It’s an excellent choice for a dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
While mascarpone provides a specific creaminess, you can try ricotta or cottage cheese, but the texture will be different.

2. Can the ice cream be frozen for more than 2 hours?
Yes, but the ice cream will become firmer. In this case, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not vegan due to the dairy ingredients and eggs, but you can experiment with plant-based alternatives.

So, get ready to treat yourself to this delicious ice cream. Cook with love and enjoy every spoonful!