7.19.2015

Meyer Lemon Semifreddo


Of course, nothing is more refreshing in the summer than a lemon dessert and if it's icy cold, all the better. This semifreddo is divinely light, so lemony and so perfect to serve at the end of a warm summer day....add your favorite berries, it'll be a hit with everyone. Fun to have it topped with those toasted almonds too, which not only makes a pretty presentation, but your mouth will enjoy that lovely crunch along with the cold smoothness of the semifreddo. 

Meyer Lemon Semifreddo
Recipe found at Epicurious


Ingredients:
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 3/4 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
7 large egg yolks
1/2 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice or regular lemon juice
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons finely grated Meyer lemon peel or regular lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups mixed fresh berries (such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and quartered hulled strawberries)

Method:
Line 9x5x3-inch metal loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving generous overhang. Sprinkle almonds evenly over bottom of pan. 

Whisk 1 1/4 cups sugar, egg yolks, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt in large metal bowl. Set bowl over large saucepan of simmering water and whisk constantly until yolk mixture is thick and fluffy, about 5 minutes, or until a thermometer registers 170°F. (This will take a LOT of elbow grease!) Then take the bowl off the water and beat with an electric hand mixer for about 6 minutes, nor until the mixture has doubled in volume and is cooled.  

Beat whipping cream in large bowl until soft peaks form. Fold the two mixtures together and pour it into the prepared loaf pan and smooth top. Tap loaf pan lightly on work surface to remove air pockets. Fold plastic wrap overhang over top to cover. 
Freeze at least 8 hours or overnight. 
Unfold plastic wrap from top of semifreddo and invert dessert onto platter; remove plastic wrap. Dip heavy large knife into hot water; cut the semifreddo crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Transfer to plates; spoon berries alongside and serve.



14 comments:

  1. It's a good thing I don't have it on hand; I believe I'd have it for breakfast, this steamy morning!

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  2. Nothing better than a lemon dessert! This looks divine.

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  3. Look delicious Barbara I love all with lemon!!!
    (I post a semifreddo too:))
    xo

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  4. Refreshing and divine!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  5. This sounds absolutely wonderful, Barbara! We're having our first heat wave of the season and I'm thinking frozen desserts are in my future :)

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  6. How wonderful this sounds for a summer day treat Barbara! This is a must try for me. I also marked the post before of the snack cake. It sounds so good and looks amazing in your photo!
    Sending you wishes for a great week my friend.
    sending hugs...

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  7. Barbara, you are absolutely right! Icy cold with the refreshing taste of lemon is delightful. The heat right now is stifling and there is no relief in sight.
    Stay cool!
    Velva

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  8. Barbara, this is one perfectly perfect semifreddo! Mine never came out so beautiful like yours.

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  9. What a gorgeous dessert! I'd love to try it - just perfect for a warm summer night.

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  10. To be honest I prefer a semifreddo from an ice cream. they have a more delicate flavor and they are not so cold haha! Yours looks perfect Barbara!

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  11. The semifreddo sounds great. I just told my husband that when we move to Florida I want to plant a Meyer lemon tree.

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  12. the semifreddo is such a neat treat! i love the almonds in there for texture. :)

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  13. This is exactly what I need today! I love lemon desserts, and a semifreddo sounds perfect. Love that toasted almond topping.

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  14. This sounds wonderful and perfect for the summer heat. Plus it's so pretty.
    Sam

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