Il Cucinologo
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Mixed Berry Semifreddo

17/11/2023

The mixed berry semifreddo is a fresh and delicate dessert, ideal as a dessert after a meal or for an indulgent snack. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 300 g mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants, wild strawberries)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 100 g sugar
  • 250 ml fresh whipping cream
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 packet of vanillin or the seeds from one vanilla pod
  • 2 sheets of gelatin (about 12 g)

Preparation

  1. Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes to soften them.
  2. Meanwhile, wash and clean the mixed berries, setting some aside for the final decoration.
  3. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a large bowl and whisk with an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Heat the milk with the vanillin or vanilla pod until it just reaches the boiling point.
  5. Slowly pour the hot milk over the whipped yolks, continuing to stir to combine everything.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook in a bain-marie, stirring continuously until it reaches the consistency of custard that coats the back of a spoon (be careful not to let it boil to avoid the yolks curdling).
  7. Squeeze out the softened gelatin and dissolve it in the still-warm custard, stirring until fully absorbed.
  8. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
  9. Whip the fresh cream in a separate bowl until stiff.
  10. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard, adding the mixed berries as well (for a marbled effect, do not overmix).
  11. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan lined with plastic wrap or into individual cups.
  12. Place in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours until fully set.
  13. When ready to serve, remove the semifreddo from the freezer and let it soften for a few minutes, then invert onto a serving plate and decorate with the reserved berries.

Trivia

The term “semifreddo” refers to a variety of desserts served cold, but not completely frozen like ice cream. Its appearance and soft consistency make it an elegant and flavorful dessert, typical of Italian pastry. And with the addition of mixed berries, you will get a colorful dish rich in antioxidants.

If you wish, I can also suggest a wine or a cocktail to pair with this delicious dessert.