The sun is sweltering down on us and we’re experiencing record temperatures in many parts of the world. As the days grow longer and more tiresome, there’s one thing that can instantly excite and rejuvenate us — frozen desserts. From ice creams to sorbets, there’s a diverse variety of options available to us in several flavors and textures. So create these amazing brain freeze ice creams and desserts and lift your, and your loved ones' spirits this summer.
One of the easiest things to make is ice cream. With its smooth texture and flavor options, you can essentially make a new dessert each time you get to making an ice cream. Try making classics like vanilla and chocolate ice creams and more artisanal flavors like matcha green tea and lavender honey ice cream. Remember, with ice creams, flavors are how you can showcase your creativity.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- Your choice of flavoring
Directions:
- In a pan, heat the heavy cream, milk, sugar and salt until the sugar has completely dissolved, which will take about 5 minutes. Then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Keep whisking constantly, and slowly add about a third of the hot cream into the yolks, then whisk the yolk mixture back into the pan with the cream.
- Return the pan to medium-low heat and gently cook it until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon instead of dripping off.
- If you want to add any flavors, here is where you do that.
- Now strain the mixture through a sieve into a bowl. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Then, cover it and let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Next, churn the frozen mixture in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturers’ instructions, depending on what machine you have.
- Serve directly from the machine for soft serve, or store in freezer until needed.
Another option is sorbets, which are fruity and often refreshing, a great option if you don't want the heaviness of cream in your dessert. This dairy free option is still vibrant and fresh and can come in almost as many flavors as ice creams can.
Here are a few recipe options:
Raspberry Sorbet
- 226 gm Raspberry
- 3 tbsp sugar syrup or maple syrup
- lemon juice optional
Pineapple Sorbet
- 226 gm pineapple, nose removed, cut into cubes
- 4 tbsp sugar syrup or maple syrup
Peach Sorbet
- 226 gm Peaches, peeled, fresh or frozen
- 4 tbsp sugar syrup or maple syrup
- lemon juice
Honeydew Melon Sorbet
- 226 gm honeydew melon flesh only, cut into cubes
- 4 tbsp sugar syrup or maple syrup
- lemon juice
Directions:
- Cut up whole fruits into cubes.
- Freeze the fruits completely and store them in freezer bags.
- Roughly weigh out as much fruit as you want and place it in a small food processor or ice crushing blender.
- Pulse to crush the fruits into small pieces and add the sugar syrup, a tablespoon at a time, to create a smooth sorbet-like paste.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and run the blender for a few seconds to mix.
- Spoon it into a bowl and serve immediately – or store in the freezer until you’re ready.
Frozen yogurts are another great option when it comes to cooling and refreshing frozen desserts to enjoy in the summer. You can have a lot of fun making these, with their range of flavours and variety of topping options.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced frozen strawberries, or other frozen fruit of your choice
- 2 cups sliced frozen banana
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon orange extract, or vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup sugar, optional
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup, optional
Directions:
- Combine the frozen strawberries, banana, yogurt, orange extract (or vanilla extract), honey, sugar, and corn syrup in the bowl of a food processor.
- Blend until combined into a creamy smoothie-like mixture. Taste, and add a bit more honey if needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and smooth the surface. Press a piece of parchment against the top of the yogurt to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- To serve, allow the frozen yogurt to sit at room temperature for a few minutes just until soft enough to scoop. Scoop the amount you need. Enjoy!
But frozen desserts don't restrict one to just these options alone. There are also popsicles with their familiar shape and bright colors, gelato with its dense and creamy consistency, and granita with its icy texture and strong flavors.