Strawberry Delight Semifreddo

17/11/2023

Strawberry semifreddo is a fresh and delicious dessert, perfect for the spring and summer or for any occasion when you want something light but tasty. Here is how to prepare an Italian-style Strawberry Delight Semifreddo.

Ingredients

500 g of fresh strawberries
200 g of granulated sugar
3 egg yolks
250 ml of fresh cream to whip
100 ml of water
Juice of half a lemon
8 g of sheet gelatin (fish glue)
Ladyfingers or dry biscuits as needed for the base (optional)
Some mint leaves for decoration (optional)

Preparation

Start by cleaning the strawberries and cutting them into pieces. Set aside some whole strawberries for the final decoration of the dessert.
Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for a few minutes to soften them.
Prepare syrup by dissolving the sugar in the water and bringing it briefly to a boil. Let it cool slightly.
In the meantime, whisk the yolks with an electric mixer or a stand mixer until they become light and frothy. Then, gently incorporate the still-warm sugar syrup in a steady stream, continuing to whisk until you get a fluffy and frothy cream.
Squeeze out the softened gelatin and put it in a saucepan with the lemon juice. Heat gently until it has completely dissolved. Allow to cool slightly and then mix it into the yolk and sugar cream, stirring well.
Whip the fresh cream and fold it gently into the cream with bottom-up movements so as not to deflate it.
Process the strawberries in a mixer or with an immersion blender until pureed and fold it into the mixture, being careful to blend it well.
(Optional) Line a loaf pan or a semifreddo mold with clear film. If you desire a crunchy base, you can make a layer of ladyfingers or dry biscuits, slightly moistened in a sweet liquor or fruit juice.
Pour the mixture into the mold and level the surface well. Place it in the freezer for at least 4-6 hours, until it is well solidified.
Before serving, remove the semifreddo from the mold and let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to soften slightly. Decorate with the whole strawberries set aside and, if you like, some mint leaves for a touch of color.

Strawberry semifreddo can be served with chocolate variegate, a mirror of strawberry sauce, or simply as it is to fully appreciate its flavor. Have fun in the kitchen and enjoy your meal!