Italian ice cream is one of the most famous desserts in the world. Its history goes back centuries of development, from ancient times to modern times.
Ancient world
- The first mentions of frozen desserts are found in ancient China, where in 2000 BC. e. came up with the idea of adding snow to honey, fruits and vegetable juices to get a cold treat.
- Subsequently, Alexandrian pharmacists developed a method of freezing fruit juices with ice and salt, which is considered one of the predecessors of modern ice cream
Middle Ages and Renaissance
- During the Middle Ages, frozen desserts became popular in Italy due to technological improvements in ice production.
- In the 16th century, the first recipes for ice cream appeared in Italy, which consisted of a mixture of fruit juices, honey and sugar, frozen on ice
18th-19th centuries
- In the 17th and 18th centuries, ice cream became a popular dessert in many European countries due to increased trade and the spread of recipes.
- The first ice cream parlors opened in Italy, offered a variety of flavors and began using milk instead of water for a creamier texture
20th century
- In the 20th century, Italian ice cream became world famous thanks to mass production and distribution in various countries.
- Italian ice cream masters have developed special recipes that include only natural ingredients, such as fresh fruit, milk and eggs, which give the ice cream its unique taste and texture
Modernity
- Today, Italian ice cream remains a symbol of Italian cuisine, attracting tourists from all over the world to Italian cities to enjoy its authentic taste and variety.
- Modern production and storage technologies make it possible to maintain the quality of ice cream, maintaining its freshness and unique tast
Italian ice cream is not just a dessert, it is part of the culture and traditions of Italy that are passed down from generation to generation. Its history and development reflect the richness and diversity of Italian culinary heritage
Here is a classic Italian ice cream recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh milk
– 1 cup cream (at least 35% fat)
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 4 egg yolks
– 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
– Additional ingredients of your choice: fresh fruit, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, nuts, etc
Instructions:
- Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and remove the seeds. If using vanilla extract, simply add it to the milk and cream.
- In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, half the sugar and vanilla seeds (or extract). Heat ingredients over medium heat until mixture begins to simmer, then remove from heat and set aside.
- In a bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the beaten yolks, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Then return the entire mixture back to the pan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not bring to a boil.
- When the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and strain through a fine sieve to remove any lumps or thickeners.
- Cool the mixture to room temperature, then cover it with cling film and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to cool and reach the desired consistency.
- Once cooled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze.
- Before serving, let the ice cream rest at room temperature until soft and creamy.
- Serve ice cream with your favorite toppings or enjoy it plain!
Bon appetit!
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