Lemon Semifreddo

Lemon Semifreddo

by | Jul 11, 2023 | 0 comments

Lemon Semifreddo

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Lemon Semifreddo rivals ice cream, yet requires no ice cream maker. Cool, creamy and bursting with fresh lemon flavour for a wonderful summer treat served with lightly macerated berries. It is simple to make and best of all it is made ahead of time so it’s ready when you are.

Semifreddo means “half frozen” in Italian. Semifreddo is similar to ice cream, yet it does have some differences. Semifreddo contains a little more fat and sugar than ice cream, but that’s what helps to give it an ice cream texture without the churning. It also has more air from the beaten cream, making it less dense than ice cream. It is a lovely dessert that is worthy of company but also nice to have on hand for a family treat. Enjoy!

There are a couple of things that are important when making Semifreddo. The first is to whisk the eggs constantly over a double boiler until the temperature reaches 170°F. This ensures the eggs won’t start to overcook before they reach the desired temperature. The second is to not overbeat the cream. Soft peaks are what you’re after, so they fold into the egg mixture evenly. Stiff cream is harder to incorporate without over-mixing the final product. It is really quite a simple and delicious dessert.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

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Lemon Semifreddo

Ingredients

  • 500 ml Whipping cream/Heavy cream
  • 7 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 125 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Whip cream until soft peaks, cover and chill.
  • Add egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest and salt to a sauce pot fitted to a double boiler.
  • Whisk until combined and cook, stirring constantly until thick, coats a spoon and reaches 170°F.
  • Remove from the double boiler and set in an ice bath. Beat with an electric mixer until cool, thick and pale.
  • Pour into prepared whipped cream and fold until combined well.
  • Pour into a sealable container and freeze for 8-24 hours.
  • Scoop and serve with macerated berries.

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Raspberry Cream Roll

Raspberry Cream Roll

by | Mar 29, 2021 | 0 comments

Raspberry Cream Roll served on a blue platter with a slice served on a white plate.

Raspberry Cream Roll

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Raspberry Cream Roll screams spring, but as I write this post I look outside to a grey and windy day with a forecast of snow. It’s recipes such as this that keep me focused and looking forward. In this case, forward to better weather, summer days and fresh berries.

This lovely dessert is a classic combination of a vanilla jelly roll laced with raspberry jam, however, it is anything but ordinary. The raspberry jam layer has the addition of Chambord liqueur for a vibrant punch of raspberry flavour, and the cream filling is a luscious combination of mascarpone and whipped cream. It’s a wonderful combination served with lightly macerated mixed berries.

A prepared jelly roll ready for the oven in preparation for Raspberry Cream Roll.

What makes a good jelly roll? Getting lots of volume in the beaten eggs and sugar will ensure your jelly roll is light and spongy. Only mix in the dry ingredients until combined and smooth, don’t over mix after this addition. Allowing the jelly roll to rest for about 10 minutes before rolling will prevent it from deflating itself from its own weight when rolled. Keep in mind you need to roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking but rolling while “hot” out of the oven will result in a flat jelly roll. I find the time it takes to loosen the cake from the edges of the pan, gather together the kitchen towel, sifter and powdered sugar is about enough cooling time to flip over the jelly roll, trim the edges and roll it while warm without cracking or deflation.

The end result is a light and airy cake with a smooth surface that’s begging to be dusted with powdered sugar for the perfect finish. It’s the kind of dessert you want to show off to your guests and one that you’ll want to make again and again.

Raspberry Cream Roll served on a light blue platter garnished with fresh berries.
A close up slice of Raspberry Cream Roll served on a white plate.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Raspberry Cream Roll sliced and topped with fresh macerated berries on a pink background.
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Raspberry Cream Roll

Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Servings 10 people

Ingredients

Cake Roll

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • as needed powdered sugar

Filling

  • 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • 1 tbsp Chambord optional
  • 3/4 cup whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 ounces mascarpone
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Cake Roll

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 10"x15"x1" baking tray with parchment. Spray the sides with non-stick spray.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
  • Whip eggs until thick and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar until combined. Beat in water and vanilla at low speed until incorporated.
  • Add flour mixture and beat until combined and smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread out evenly using an off-set spatula. Tap pan once or twice lightly on the counter to remove any large air bubbles. Bake in preheated oven for 15-16 minutes until center is set and cake is golden.
  • Remove cake from oven and loosen cake from edges using a sharp knife. While the cake is warm (not hot, see note) dust top of the cake generously with sifted powdered sugar. Invert cake onto a clean kitchen towel and carefully remove parchment by peeling off at a sharp angle. Trim cake edges.
  • Starting at the short end, roll the cake up tightly in the kitchen towel. Allow the cake to cool completed before final assembly.

Filling and Assembly

  • While the cake is cooling whisk jam until smooth and stir in Chambord if using.
  • Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
  • Carefully unroll cooled cake and spread evenly with jam mixture. Dollop whip cream mixture over the jam and spread evenly over the jam.
  • Roll the cake back up as tightly as possible without squishing out the filling. Trim the ends evenly and dust the cake roll with sifted powdered sugar. Transfer cake to a serving platter and cut into thick slices. Serve immediately with fresh macerated berries of choice. If serving at a later time, move the cake to your serving platter and cover ends with plastic wrap and then the entire cake with plastic wrap. Keep chilled until ready to serve. When ready to serve, dust with sifted powdered sugar and cut into thick slices.

Notes

-It is important to note that the cake should be warm and not "hot" when removing from the pan, inverting and rolling.  Most recipes don't indicate this, but if you rush and roll the cake while it is hot, it will flatten itself because it's still very soft.  I'm not talking about a lot of time difference, 5 minutes in the pan and taking some care loosening it before flipping and care taken to remove the parchment and trim the cake is enough time for the cake to be set enough to roll without excessive flattening yet warm enough to prevent cracking. 

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Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites

Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites

by | Feb 23, 2021 | 0 comments

Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites

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The Keto diet continues to be very popular and I was asked by a friend to whip up a few Keto treats. Although I am familiar with the diet, having done it with my husband about a year and a half ago, we did not eat any sweets. Not only were we not hungry, my husband (who has the sweet tooth) didn’t seem to miss sugar. We were all about the savoury side of the Keto diet, eating meat, avocado, eggs and cheese mostly. So I jumped in with both feet to experiment and learn the world of Keto baking. My Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites are delicious proof that perseverance pays off. They’re rich, chocolatey, not too sweet and the perfect size to treat yourself while staying within the parameters of the Keto Diet.

Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites being prepared in a mini muffin tin on a blue background.

Baking sweets for Keto was new to me as I’d never baked with artificial sweeteners. I started by baking a batch of cookies, and they were dry, bland and had an odd texture. I then moved on to make mini cheesecakes with greater success. Probably the biggest part of why cheesecake is a great Keto treat option is because the texture is as it should be, smooth and creamy.  With other baked items such as cookies, cupcakes and brownies the texture is not necessarily bad, but just a little different than what you would expect. Next came the cupcakes. I experimented with chocolate, chocolate chip and coconut cupcakes. I found a blend of almond flour and coconut flour work well, along with the addition of Xanthan gum which helps give structure to risen products when there is no gluten to fulfill that job.

I quickly learned that artificial sweeteners are not created equal!! If you’re just starting out using sweeteners in baked products, I highly recommend doing some research first. I started by using Splenda because I just happen to have a big bag of it. But several recipes later I learn that Splenda contains dextrose and maltodextrin, both of which are sugars and starches. So while the items made with Splenda were still considered low carb, they were not Keto-friendly.  Because Splenda was a bust, I moved on to using a monk fruit /Erythritol granulated blend, powdered Erythritol and a brown sugar Erythritol. The products worked well, tasted good and are suitable for the Keto diet. The problem with Erythritol is it has the tendency to crystallize when cooled. I found this out the hard way after chilling a batch of chocolate cupcakes. The frosting which was made with powdered Erythritol was smooth and creamy when I piped it but when I tasted a chilled chocolate cupcake from the fridge, the frosting had a gritty feel. Again, with some prior research, I would have known this could happen. I was rather disappointed but left the cupcake to sit a room temperature and tasted it again. Although the icing was not as smooth as when first made and piped, the grittiness was almost non-existent and the cupcake was good to eat. So it is important to bring items to room temperature before eating if you’re using a Erythritol sweetener that is prone to crystallizing. 

Baked Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites displayed on a wooden board with fresh raspberries on a blue background.

I think the biggest issue I have with artificial sweeteners and no added sugar chocolate is the availability and cost. Not all sweetener varieties are available for purchase in my area. I have to travel almost an hour to find some varieties at a health food store or Costco, otherwise, I have to order online. The cost seems to vary but even the best priced Erythritol blend at Costco works out to about $2.25CND per cup of sweetener. The other sweeteners I purchased which included powdered and brown sugar were more expensive yet. No added sugar chocolate is also very expensive and not a convenient item to shop for.

There are many different sweeteners to choose from, each with pros and cons. I can’t stress enough how important it is to read and learn about the varieties. Some can be a 1:1 substitution, some have a cooling sensation and some are better for baking than others. Here’s a good article from The Spruce Eats to help get you started. Happy Keto baking!!

Per one Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bite:

Calories: 85

Fat: 8 grams

Net carbs: 2 grams

Protein: 2 grams

Baked Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites displayed on a wooden board with fresh raspberries and almonds on a blue background.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Baked Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites displayed on a wooden board with fresh raspberries and almonds on a blue background.
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Keto Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Bites

Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 24 mini bites

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1/2 cup almond flour/meal
  • 4 tsp granulated sweetener I used monk fruit/Erythritol blend
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp espresso powder optional
  • pinch salt
  • 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter

Cheesecake

  • 8 ounces full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sweetener I used monk fruit/Erythritol blend
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp espresso powder optional
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 ounces no added sugar semi-sweet or milk chocolate I used Lily's milk chocolate bar
  • 1 1/2-2 tbsp no added sugar seedless raspberry jam see note

Instructions

Crust

  • Preheat oven to 300°F spray 24 mini muffin cups with non-stick spray and line with paper liners.
  • Add all the dry crust ingredients to a medium bowl and mix until there are no lumps. Add melted butter and mix until combined.
  • Scoop approximately 1 tsp of crust mixture into each mini muffin liner and press down evenly with your fingers.
  • Bake for 12 minutes, remove and allow to cool slightly while proceeding.

Cheesecake

  • Beat cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Add egg and beat until combined. Add sweetener, cocoa powder, vanilla, espresso powder and salt. Beat until combined and smooth.
  • Finely chop the chocolate and melt in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until melted. Add to cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth.
  • Using a cookie scoop, scoop the mixture generously into prepared cheesecake bases. Smooth out each using a spoon that is moistened with water. They will appear quite full.
  • Warm the raspberry jam slightly in the microwave and drizzle evenly over the cheesecake. Using a toothpick swirl the jam two or three turns.
  • Bake for approximately 15 minutes at 300°F. The centers should be slightly soft but not sloppy. Remove and allow to cool before removing from the mini muffin tin. They will firm up as they cool.

Notes

-I did not use liners for the pictures, however, they were a challenge to remove, so liners are recommended.
-If you can not find seedless no added sugar jam, warm jam and press through a mesh strainer.
-I used a disposable piping bag with no tip (just cut a very small hole) to drizzle the jam. 
-Alternatively, you can drizzle the jam over the baked cheesecake base prior to adding the cheesecake filling, eliminating the need to swirl it.  I've done it both ways and while the jam on the base is easier, they have a nicer appearance with the swirl on the top.
-The cheesecake bites can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days or several weeks in the freezer.  It is recommend to allow cheesecakes to come to room temperature before eating.

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I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Super Moist Carrot Cake

Super Moist Carrot Cake

by | Oct 5, 2020 | 0 comments

Super Moist Carrot Cake

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There’s nothing that I don’t like about this cake, so I can easily say “hello autumn” with enthusiasm. Super moist, lightly spiced, textured with coconut and smothered with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Super Moist Carrot Cake is a winner every time, feeds a small crowd and freezes exceptionally well.

Super Moist Carrot Cake just out of the oven in a silver baking pan and icing in the background.

Did I mention it’s also quick and easy with minimal mess, other than shredded carrot that seems to get everywhere LOL! It’s the perfect fall cake that turns the humble carrot into the most delicious dessert. It’s a nostalgic recipe for me, being slightly adapted from a gifted cookbook when I was only 17 years old and graduating from high school. It’s a treasured book, missing its cover, yellowed and ratty. But every time I thumb through it, I’m taken back to a simpler time, high school friends and big dreams. Thank you Simone and Marlene for this simple yet wonderful book that I still love 31 years later. Proving that great recipes are timeless.

Super Moist Carrot Cake in a 9"x13" pan with cream cheese icing and decorated with piped carrots.
A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin with a pan of cake in the background.

Want more cake?

Apple Date Cake with Pecan Streusel

Cardamom Orange Yogurt Cake

Coconut Cake

A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin.

Author: Coompelled to Cook, slightly adapted from the book “Let’s Break Bread Together” circa 1989?

A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin.
Super Moist Carrot Cake
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    9x13 pan 30 minutes
    Cook Time
    45-50 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    9x13 pan 30 minutes
    Cook Time
    45-50 minutes
    A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin.
    Super Moist Carrot Cake
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      9x13 pan 30 minutes
      Cook Time
      45-50 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      9x13 pan 30 minutes
      Cook Time
      45-50 minutes
      Ingredients
      Cake
      Cream Cheese Icing
      Servings: pan
      Instructions
      Cake
      1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9"x13" pan with non-stick spray.
      2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
      3. In a large bowl whisk together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time whisking well to fully combine after each. Stir in orange juice and vanilla.
      4. Whisk in half of the dry ingredients followed by half the milk. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk, whisking only until just combined. Stir in carrots, pineapple and coconut. Pour into prepared pan and bake on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
      5. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, spread evenly with cream cheese icing. Cut into 20-24 pieces and serve.
      Cream Cheese Icing
      1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and beat until fully combined and fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until just combined and smooth. Spread onto cooled cake.
      Recipe Notes

      -Cake freezes well without icing for up to a month if well wrapped.

      -Cake freezes well if iced and cut into squares, stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

      -Recipe makes for a thick layer of icing.  Icing freezes well on its own in an airtight container for up to a month.

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      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas

      Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas

      by | Apr 3, 2020 | 0 comments

      Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas garnished with blueberries and mint sit on a white cake tray decorated with blue flowers.

      Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas

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      Where the heck is spring??  As I write this it is literally -15°C.  I think global warming has skipped over us here in Alberta.  But these bright and cheery Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas are sure to brighten and warm any day.  Crisp yet chewy pavlova nests are filled with lemon curd and whipped cream filling.  They are lovely topped with fresh berries such as blueberry or raspberry and perfect for Easter or Mother’s Day. 

      Mini pavlova nests piped onto a baking tray lined with parchment and ready to be baked for Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas.

      Sadly, with the way the world is these days, most of us may not be having much of a family gathering at Easter.  It will most likely be a modest meal with homebound family members and chats throughout the weekend with family and friends on Facetime or Skype. And this is okay because it’s what we need to do right now to keep everyone safe. As for this beautiful dessert, perhaps it will have to wait for another special occasion. Maybe Mother’s Day, bridal shower or what the heck, how about the first day of summer! There are always reasons to celebrate, so you’ll want to bookmark this recipe.

      Lemon curd for Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas in a small glass bowl that is resting on a blue and white cloth.

      Here are a few helpful hints for this recipe:

      -make sure your mixing bowl is very clean (grease will hinder a great meringue).

      -use egg whites that are at room temperature (warm egg whites incorporate more air than cold ones).

      -you can grind granulated sugar for about 10 seconds using a mini grinder if castor sugar is not available.

      -stick the parchment to the baking tray with a few dabs of meringue to prevent it from moving while piping.

      -place the tray on a damp towel to prevent the tray from moving while piping.

      -don’t open the oven door until it has completely cooled as the warm dry air inside helps to dry out the meringues without further cooking.

      -baked meringues will keep several days in an airtight container at room temperature.

      -add filling to the meringue nests when ready to serve or up to a couple hours in advance. Adding it more than a couple of hours ahead will cause the meringues to soften too much.

      Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas sit on a white cake tray in the background while one is served on a while dessert plate and garnished with blueberries and mint.

      Author:  Compelled to Cook

      Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        8 people 30-40 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        80 minutes 1+ hours
        Servings Prep Time
        8 people 30-40 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        80 minutes 1+ hours
        Lemon Cream Mini Pavlovas
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          8 people 30-40 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          80 minutes 1+ hours
          Servings Prep Time
          8 people 30-40 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          80 minutes 1+ hours
          Ingredients
          Mini Pavlovas
          Lemon Cream
          Servings: people
          Instructions
          Mini Pavlovas
          1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking tray with parchment and mark out 8-3" circles. Flip parchment over.
          2. Combine egg whites and cream of tartar. Whip until soft peaks are starting to form. Gradually add sugar, about a tablespoon at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl and continue to whip on high speed until stiff and glossy, about 6-7 minutes using a stand mixer.
          3. Add vanilla and whip to combine.
          4. Sift cornstarch over the meringue and fold to combine.
          5. Fit a large piping bag with your desired tip, I used a Wilton 1M.
          6. Fill the piping bag with meringue and squeeze a dab of meringue onto the corners of the parchment to stick it to the baking tray. This will help keep the parchment from moving while you pipe. Place the baking tray on a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent the tray from moving. Fill in the traced circle, creating a base. Continue to pipe along the edge of the base for two turns, creating a basket.
          7. Place the tray in the oven on the middle rack and immediately turn oven temperature to 225°F. Bake for 80 minutes, turn off the oven and allow meringues to remain undisturbed in the oven until completely cool. Meringues will be firm and hollow sounding with a slight bit of tackiness and chew in the bottom layer.
          Lemon Cream
          1. Combine all ingredients except butter in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens, about 7-8 minutes. Whisk in butter until smooth.
          2. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before covering with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Allow to cool completely and chill until ready to use.
          3. When ready to assemble pavlovas, which should be no more than 2 hours in advance, whip heavy cream until stiff. Fold whipped cream into lemon curd and fill meringues generously. Top with fresh blueberries and serve.
          Recipe Notes

          -Using egg whites at room temperature will result in more volume.

          -If unable to use castor or superfine sugar, simply grind regular granulated sugar in a mini coffee grinder for about 10 seconds.  Even this is not true castor sugar, it breaks down the sugar enough for better absorption into the meringue.

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          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com