Recipe of the Week: Ice Cream
By Sally Sampson
Wiley Paperback, 2008
$16.95
A year's worth of ice cream, gelato and sorbet recipes is included in this new cookbook, part of Sally Sampson's "Recipe of the Week" series (other titles include Kabobs, Cookies and Burgers.)
The absolute beginner to the world of homemade ice cream might want a book with more basic instruction on how to make ice cream; Sampson jumps right into the recipes instead of offering a section of general tips or descriptions of ingredients.
However, the recipes themselves are very detailed, providing specific temperatures to which to heat and cool the bases, time suggestions for cooling or cooking mixtures, and detailed instructions on procedures. Sampson's recipes also tend to be lower in fat and sugar than commercial recipes or other ice cream recipes, as she's of the opinion that too much fat can coat the taste buds and dull flavor.
And speaking of flavors, you won't necessarily find basics like vanilla and chocolate in this book. Sampson instead strives to offer unusual recipes and preparations. Even standard flavors have a twist; the chocolate ice cream is actually Cocoa Sorbet, while Vanilla Ice Cream has a companion recipe for Bittersweet Cocoa Sauce. More unusual versions include Balsamic and Black Pepper Gelato, Saffron Ice Cream and Burnt Caramel Gelato.
With each recipe, Sampson provides serving suggestions (For instance, Graham Cracker Malted Vanilla Ice Cream can be served with roasted plums or apricots, or sprinkled with choclate chips, coconut or tiny marshmallows) and tips on certain ingredients (like using overripe bananas – "The funkier the better!" – in the Banana Sorbet).
For adventurous eaters, this book is a great addition to your library, especially if you already have an ice cream cookbook that offers more basic information.
Recipe Highlights
- Pretzel and Chocolate Gelato
- Dried Plum Gelato
- Graham Cracker Malted Vanilla Ice Cream
- Egg Nog Ice Cream
- Sour Cream Brown Sugar Ice Cream
- Avocado Gelato
- Basil Gelato
- Grape-Nuts Ice Cream
- Green Tea Gelato
