It’s summertime and what is enjoyed most at this time? Gelato.
I recently discovered Gelato. It is denser and richer than ice cream.
I must say, my preference is gelato over ice cream now. The thing I like most about gelato is the seasonal, fresh ingredients that go into it. I also like that it is less fattening than ice cream.
Gelato differs from ice cream in the lower butterfat content it has. Gelato contains around 4-8% versus 14% for ice cream. Gelato generally has slightly lower sugar content, between 16-22% versus approximately 21% for ice cream.
Gelato is churned at a slower speed than ice cream. As a result, it's denser due to less air whipped into the mixture. Gelato contains about 25 to 30 percent air, while ice cream can contain as much as 50 percent air. There’s not as much fat in gelato. Since it doesn't coat the mouth in the same way, the flavors are more intense."
Today’s recipe is Strawberry Gelato using my Delonghi gelato machine. What I love is how you can take dairy ingredients, seasonal fruit and come up with a dessert so creamy and wonderful. The strawberry flavor comes through the cream so sweetly…it’s heavenly!
You can get the Delonghi Gelato Maker at Williams-Sonoma. My machine makes about one pint. But, you can get a larger size. What I really like about this gelato maker is the ease of use. The compressor inside the machine allows no need to pre-freeze the bowl. So, you can make different flavor batches without waiting.
You can enjoy the gelato as is or embellish it with items such as:
- Waffles
- Fried tortilla shells
- Brioche roll
Below is a recipe for Strawberry Gelato accompanied by a photo tutorial.
By Delonghi - Video-using Delonghi Gelato Maker: Williams-Sonoma website
Adapted by Carmen Ortiz
½ cup milk
½ cup cream
½ cup sugar
Pinch of Vanilla extract
Paper towel
1. Blend the strawberries with half the sugar (1/4 cup) in a blender.
2. Add the milk, cream and remaining ¼ cup sugar.
3. Mix well to dissolve the sugar.
4. Add vanilla extract.
5. Dab some rum on a paper towel.
6. Wipe the stainless steel gelato bowl with the rum laced paper towel. (do not allow rum to touch the central plastic area). This process prevents formation of ice between the bowl and aluminum bottom.
7. Insert the paddle in the stainless steel gelato bowl.
8. Pour strawberry mixture into the gelato bowl.
9. Top with the lid.
10. Plug in the gelato maker.
11. To incorporate ingredients: Turn knob to the function selector: [Paddle spin]
12. To make gelato: Turn knob to function selector: [Combined paddle rotation & chilling]
13. Allow to churn for 25-35 minutes.
14. Turn knob to the function selector: [Off]
15. Remove the lid and paddle.
16. Transfer the soft serve gelato to a bowl.
17. Storage: Put gelato in a container. Cover and store in freezer.
Enjoy your gelato!
Here's a photo tutorial in making your own Gelato:
Gather ingredients: strawberries, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, (rum-for bowl)
Wash strawberries.
Dry strawberries.
Hull strawberries and cut in quarters. (remove leafy stems)
Add strawberries to blender.
Add half the sugar.
Blend sugar and strawberries.
Add milk, cream and remaining sugar.
Mix well to dissolve sugar. Add vanilla.
Dab rum on paper towel.
Wipe bowl with rum. Do not allow rum to touch the central plastic area.
Insert the paddle. Pour the gelato in the bowl. (I added the gelato first. I don't think it matters)
Top with the lid and plug in the appliance.
Turn to PADDLE icon for a few seconds, then to the PADDLE & CHILLING icon.
Allow to chill for about 25-35 minutes.
Gelato is done.
So delish!!
Transfer to bowl and enjoy. Store gelato in a sealed container.
Peace in gelato making,
Carmen
Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul