Jun 2, 2014

Semifreddo with caramelized nectarines and raspberries


Another one seen on Italian TV... and delizioso.







Semifreddo with caramelized nectarines and raspberries
adapted from La Prova del Cuoco (by Ambra Romani)
time: 20 min preparation + 8 hours inactive 

 ingredients 
500 g (2 cups) yogurt, creamy type (Ambra suggested low fat, I used 7% fat)
4 medium nectarines, pitted and diced small
250 g (1/2 lb) raspberries
80 g (2/5 cup) sugar 
40 g (2 1/2 Tablespoons) butter
1 vanilla bean, opened and seeds scarped off
300 ml (1 1/4 cups) whipping cream
100 g (2/3 cups) powder sugar

 instructions 
Prepare nectarines. On a non-stick pan, incorporate butter with sugar. Turn the burner on medium/high (6 on a scale 0-10) and let the sugar butter melt without mixing (or touching). First, it will cook (bubbles) than it will crystallize and then it will melt. The whole process should last about 5 minutes (depending on how fast your burner works). Now, add nectarine pieces and vanilla seeds. Using a wooden spatula, mix the fruit with the caramel, that could have hardened (like candies) at this point, till caramel becomes liquid again (about 1-2 minutes). Take the pan off the heat. Remove nectarine pieces form the excess caramel and set them aside to cool completely (you can put them in the freezer).


Line a loaf form (28x11cm, 11x4inch) with parchment paper. To line a form: I cut a piece of paper large enough to line the form, crush it between my hands, soak it under running water, squeeze the water out, shake (gently) the paper to open.

In a medium bowl, using a large bubble whisk, beat cream till visible streaks appear.  Using a rubber spatula, slowly fold in sifted powder sugar

In a large bowl, pour in yogurt. Slowly fold in whipped creamnectarines and raspberries. Pour the creamy mix into the prepared form. Cover it with the paper and set it in the freezer for minimum 8 hours. Take the semifreddo out about 20 minutes before serving. 


NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES

  • not often that I feel so determined but this butter caramel took 4 tries; the amounts (butter and sugar) were small enough to keep trying and keep dumping;
  • oh men...but it was worth it;
  • the caramelized nectarines gave the dessert an amazing, fruity-buttery flavor and the pieces remained soft after being frozen;
  • the fruit needs to completely cold before adding to the whipped cream; if not the texture of the cream will be compromised (turn into liquid);
  • the pictures above were taken after 8 hours in the freezer; next day, the dessert was frozen solid but still very possible to slice;
  • it is recommended to let the dessert sit in room temperature for 10 minutes before consuming/serving to allow the slightly icy texture melt into a creamy delight.


25 comments:

  1. holy cow, this sounds over the top good. We don't have any nectarines right now but I'm not going to forget this one! Thanks for sharing it.

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  2. Refreshing and divine! A great summer treat.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. I love stone fruits and haven't made a semifreddo in ages - this looks so good, Ela!

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  4. Love how you so quickly turn what you see on TV into a delicious reality!

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  5. This is absolutely mouthwatering!!!
    Dear Ela, I have sent you an email which is urgent! Could you please check it out and answer? Thank you!
    Many kisses from Greece!

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  6. Yes, please! I'm all over this. I just did a peach ice cream video, you know what they say about great minds...and you, Ela are the greatest!

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  7. Ohhhh man!! This looks AMAZING!!! That ice cream cake ...WOW! :)

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  8. I've always wanted to make a semifreddo, great way to use nectarines too.

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  9. I love semiifreddo Ela and this look amazing:)

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  10. You always amaze with your recipes! This is too good!

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  11. Looks like summer has arrived at your place; awesome semifreddo!

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  12. In the last few years i think i have started appreciating semifreddo more than ice cream. I like the fact that it is not as cold as ice cream and it is softer. This fruity one looks absolutely mouthwatering!

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  13. A cool summer treat, Ela. This sounds really amazing with caramelized stone fruits.

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  14. Oh Ela, how deliciously summery! Just beautiful!

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  15. All your desserts always look so good! Your family must love all your baking and cooking :)

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  16. I say yes please to anything raspberry related! I can't get enough!

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  17. Hi Ela, this is so impressive, pinned, will make this when we have company. Looks so light and summery!

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  18. Oh Ela, caramelized nectarines sounds amazing. Great dessert. You are making me want to do a semifreddo.

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  19. What a great summer dessert! It looks refreshing and delicious!

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  20. I love the colors of those berries and nectarines.

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  21. Wow, that pan of caramelised nectarines looks mouthwatering! I love the sound of this summery dessert - it looks so pretty!

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  22. Oh wow those nectarines look so good and I bet they pair with the raspberries really well :)

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  23. This looks so beautiful and delicious, Ela!

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  24. Oh how wonderful! This is a perfect summer treat, Ela. I shall give it a try! :)

    Toodles,
    Tammy<3

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