| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 493 | 26g | 15g | 62g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 52g | 2g | 8g | 0.15g |
There’s something magically heartwarming about my Acerola Ice Cream. It’s a recipe that combines the wholesome, Midwestern comfort of an ice cream churn, with the exotic freshness of acerola cherries. As a Nebraska native and a passionate cook, I’m always on the lookout for ways to incorporate fresh produce into my staple recipes. And acerola cherries, with their tangy flavor and remarkable health benefits, is a fantastic choice for a creative twist on a beloved dessert.
A Burst of Flavor and Goodness: Acerola Cherries
You see, acerola cherries are a sweet and tart variety of cherry. Native to tropical regions of Western Hemisphere, they pack a powerful nutritional punch. These small but mighty fruits are rich in antioxidants, and are known for having one of the highest contents of Vitamin C amongst all fruits. The creaminess of the ice cream juxtaposes with the tartness of the cherries, creating a balance that is incredibly pleasing to the palate. Also, it’s nice to know that we are boosting our immune system while indulging in our favorite dessert. It’s a win-win situation if you ask me! Here is the image for your reference: Acerola Ice Cream.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Options
This Acerola Ice Cream, in my humble opinion, marries well with other hearty, comfort food dishes. I personally love serving it alongside a slice of warm apple pie, or even a chocolate lava cake, for a lovely contrast in temperatures and flavors. Though, there is something to be said about the simplicity of enjoying it on its own, on a warm afternoon with the sun shining down. If you are interested, I would also suggest having a look at some classic Nebraska Home Cooking recipes to pair this ice cream with.
So, whether you’re familiar with the flavor of acerola cherries or are just eager to try a new fruit-based dessert, I implore you to give my Acerola Ice Cream a shot. It’s a recipe that’s close to my heart, and I hope it will find a place in your kitchen too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh acerola cherries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup of additional granulated sugar for the custard base
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Method
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Step One
Firstly, you’ll need to create a cherry syrup. Take your fresh acerola cherries, and put them in a pan. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer on low to medium heat until the sugar is entirely dissolved and the cherries are soft and mushy. Once achieved, strain the mixture through a sieve, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Put this cherry syrup in the fridge to chill.
Step Two
Now, it’s time to prepare the custard base for the ice cream. Heat the 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale yellow and thick. This is your custard base.
Step Four
Gradually pour the heated cream and milk into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly. This technique is known as tempering and helps to prevent the egg yolks from cooking.
Step Five
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook it over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Six
Remove the mixture from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and the chilled cherry syrup, stirring until it is well combined.
Step Seven
Finally, let the ice cream base chill in the refrigerator until it is completely cool. Then, churn it in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a lidded container and freeze until it is firm, about 2 hours or overnight.
Step Eight
Your Acerola Ice Cream is now ready to enjoy! Serve it in bowls or ice cream cones, as per preference.
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