Sizzling sweet treat: grilled ice cream delicacy
Grilled Meringue-Coated Ice Cream: A Unique Dessert Experience
Grilling ice cream has become a popular trend, offering a dramatic presentation and a contrast of hot toasted meringue with cold ice cream. This innovative dessert is easy to prepare with a simple yet effective method, similar to the classic Baked Alaska.
To create this delectable treat, first prepare your favorite ice cream and form it into a shape. Freezing it solid before proceeding will make the process easier. Next, make Italian or Swiss meringue by whipping egg whites with sugar, creating a fluffy and thick substance that can coat the ice cream completely.
Once the ice cream is fully insulated with meringue, it's time to apply the grill heat very briefly to toast the meringue without melting the ice cream. This can be achieved by placing the meringue-covered ice cream over a grill, using a blowtorch, or baking it in a very hot oven for just a few minutes. The meringue will crisp and turn golden, while the ice cream inside remains frozen.
For added flavors and textures, serve the grilled ice cream with extra toppings such as broken meringue pieces, fresh fruit, nuts, honey drizzle, or cookie crumbs. Popular compositions include lemon meringue, Baked Alaska, or semifreddo variations layered with fruit and nuts.
Meringue is not the only protective shell that can be used for grilled ice cream. Puff pastry and biscuit dough can also be employed for a different taste and texture. A sweet and savory version can include dark chocolate ice cream on a shortcrust pastry tartlet, wrapped with meringue, and topped with bacon candy. Bacon candy can be made by crisply frying bacon, caramelizing it with brown sugar, and sprinkling it on the meringue.
In addition to traditional sweet toppings, Heike Kreutz, from the Federal Center for Nutrition, recommends using a protective shell for grilled ice cream. A splash of whiskey or liqueur can be added to the meringue for a special touch, and small pieces of nuts can provide a pleasant crunch in nut ice cream. An espresso or ristretto can round off the flavors of the dessert.
Grilling sweet desserts beyond the classic banana with chocolate is becoming increasingly popular, with homemade Aperol ice or orange ice wrapped with Aperol meringue being a delightful example. Balsamic cream can be drizzled over the flambéed dessert for an extra layer of flavor.
Remember, once the ice cream is ready, it should be served immediately to avoid melting. With its unique presentation and flavors, grilled meringue-coated ice cream is sure to impress at any gathering.
