A Semifreddo Dessert

Semifreddo (pronounced semi'freddo, Italian: half cold) is a class of semi-frozen desserts. The principal ingredients are usually eggs, sugar and cream. It is a dessert that falls halfway between mousse and ice cream, with the consistency of a frozen mousse and the flavor of ice cream. It is much lighter than ice cream and melts on your tongue very quickly, giving the impression you just ate the lightest dessert imaginable.

It is usually made by folding whipped cream into a thicker base containing all of the flavorings for the semifreddo. That base could be a thick custard (similar to a regular ice cream base) that has been lightened with egg whites or a much airier meringue. Once mixed, the mixture is poured into a large tin and frozen for a few hours until it solidifies. The semifreddo can then be scooped and served, although it is often sliced for serving because its light texture makes cutting through it with a knife very simple. A semifreddo can be flavored with just about anything, from fruit to chocolate to nuts.

Cook's notes: This recipe comes from Southern Living July 2016 just in time for National Blueberry Month. It's called Blueberry Swirl Semifreddo but in honor of Prince from my home state I am renaming it Purple Reigns. For the smoothest texture choose a premium ice cream such as Haagen Dazs brand.  This dessert screams summer. Oh, it is soooooo good!

Purple Reigns

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh blueberries, divided (I used 1-1/2 pints) 
• 1/2 cup water
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 2 TB. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp.vanilla extract
• 1 pt. good quality vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

• Line the bottom and long sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving 4-inch overhangs on the long sides. May need to add more plastic wrap so there is an overhang on short sides. Smooth the plastic along the sides and into the corners; it’s OK if there are wrinkles. The plastic will not completely cover the short sides.
• Combine 3 cups blueberries, water, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high; reduce to medium-low, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir several times. 
• Pour mixture through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing gently on solids, discard solids. Let cool to room temperature. Reserve ½ cup blueberry sauce for Step 4.
• Remove the vanilla ice cream from the freezer, and thaw at room temperature 20 minutes. 
• Stir together the cooled blueberry sauce and partially thawed ice cream in a large bowl, leaving some large pieces of frozen ice cream.

• Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into blueberry mixture, and swirl gently with a knife. Pour into a 9- x 5-inch loaf pan. Cover with foil and freeze 6 hours or overnight. The longer the better to make sure it is firm.

• To serve, lift semifreddo by edges of the plastic wrap and invert on a serving or cutting board. Cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices; place slices on serving plates. Drizzle some of the blueberry sauce over each serving and top with a few blueberries. Serve immediately. 
  

Yesterday I posted this image above and recipe for Blackberry  Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad from closetcooking.com
 http://www.closetcooking.com/2016/07/blackberry-balsamic-grilled-chicken.html

I made the salad but platted it as individual servings rather than a large platter.  The recipe serves 4 and the dressing is great.  I used a blender to mix  the dressing ingredients. Test taste dressing first before serving. You might want to add a little more honey.  I will try at a later date the fried goat cheese balls. The salad is healthy and perfect for a summertime meal. 
Note: This is a Peter Rabbit approved salad.

I am sorry to say that Peter was not very well during the evening.
His mother put him to bed, and made some camomile tea; and she gave a dose of it to Peter!
'One table-spoon to be taken at bed-time.'
But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail had bread and milk and blackberries for supper.
This is the ending text taken from the book "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter

Too bad Peter was naughty and didn't feel well and had to miss having yummy blackberries for supper. But we don't have to miss out (that's assuming we have been good and did not get into mischief :). The stores have plenty to choose from this time of the year.