Lemon Semifreddo

Lemon Semifreddo

by | Jul 11, 2023 | DESSERTS, CAKES AND SQUARES | 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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Grilled Lamb Chops

Grilled Lamb Chops

by | Aug 27, 2021 | GLUTEN FREE, GRILLING, LAMB | 3 comments

Grilled Lamb Chops

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Grilled Lamb Chops garnished with fresh herbs and served on a wooden board.

Moving sucks!! It’s not only an awful lot of work, it has also kept me away from food blogging for a couple of months now. Today I am getting back into the swing of things and quickly realizing that my hiatus has taken its toll. Lagging page views and technical issues are at the forefront today, but I am back and excited to share these delicious Grilled Lamb Chops with you. Don’t worry there’s a little bit of summer left to fire up the grill for this quick and easy elevated dinner.

Lamb chops, lemon, Dijon, garlic and fresh herbs on a wooden board in preparation for Grilled Lamb Chops.
Lamb chops coated with a herbed mustard paste are ready for the grill in preparation for Grilled Lamb Chops.

Lamb chops are my absolute favourite way to enjoy lamb. They’re mild tasting and get a nice char on them from their extra bit of fat. The mustard rub used on today’s Grilled Lamb Chops is a variation of my go-to favourite grilling/roasting rub. A good dose of garlic, Dijon and rosemary are perfect to compliment the lamb. Sadly, lamb is quite expensive in my area, so these delicious chops are not usually on regular rotation, but they are a fantastic option for a special dinner or entertaining occasion. Enjoy.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Grilled Lamb Chops arranged on a wooden board and garnished with fresh lemon, herbs and red pepper jelly.
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Grilled Lamb Chops

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 each rack of spring lamb
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/2 each juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Trim any excess fat from the rack of lamb. Cut the rack into chops by cutting evenly between each rib. A medium-size rack will yield approximately 8 chops.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, oregano, lemon juice and salt and pepper.
  • Arrange the lamb chops in a shallow dish and evenly coat with mustard paste. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the lamb chops 6-7 minutes per side for medium-well.
  • Remove from the grill and cover with tin foil and allow to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
  • Serve with red pepper or mint jelly.

Notes

The grilling time per side may vary depending on the temperature of your grill.

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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
Pink Whitney Slush

Pink Whitney Slush

by | May 9, 2021 | BEVERAGES | 0 comments

Pink Whitney Slush

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Pink Whitney slush served in a martini glass on a silver tray garnished with lime wedges and fresh mint leaves.

Isn’t it hard to believe that a good chunk of May has already come and gone? We’ve had an early spring and it’s time to plant flower pots and sip cool drinks on the deck with the scent of freshly mowed grass in the air. Today I’m excited to share the icy cold Pink Whitney Slush. A wonderful combination of pink lemonade, Pink Whitney vodka and a good measure of fresh grapefruit and lime juice for just the right amount of pucker. It’s a lovely drink that can be made in advance and is perfect for occasions such as bridal showers, Mother’s Day, or family reunions.

Ingredients for Pink Whitney Slush on a sliver tray garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Sadly, the Covid 19 virus still plagues my area, and no guests are permitted into the home at this time and only 5 people are allowed outdoors while maintaining the required 6 feet spacing. These public health measures are not exactly great for entertaining, so for the foreseeable future, the only Pink Whitney slurping will be from my husband and me. While this adult slush is perfect for entertaining and enjoying with friends, I’ll just have to be content with sipping it with the company of sunshine and solitude right now.

Pink Whitney Slush will last for at least a month in the freezer, so there’s no reason not to have a batch made and ready. I know I’ll be making another batch and planning for backyard days filled with the company of others. Until then, I hope everyone is staying safe and well in these crazy Covid days.

Pink Whitney slush served in a martini glass on a silver tray garnished with lime wedges and fresh mint leaves.

Want more summer drinks?

Whiskey Lemonade

Brent’s Best Margaritas

Zesty Michelada

Pink Whitney slush served in a martini glass on a silver tray garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Pink Whitney slush served in a martini glass on a silver tray garnished with fresh mint leaves.
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Pink Whitney Slush

Prep Time 15 minutes
Freezing time 1 day
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups Pink Whitney vodka
  • 1 295ml frozen pink lemonade
  • 1 cup vodka
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, strained about 2
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice about 1

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a sealable plastic or glass container. Whisk well to combine.
  • Place in freezer for at least 24hours, stirring once or twice.
  • Scoop into martini glasses and garnish with fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

-Slush will last in a sealable container for at least 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
Potato and Mushroom Gratin

Potato and Mushroom Gratin

by | Mar 8, 2021 | CASSEROLES, POTATOES | 0 comments

Potato and Mushroom Gratin

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Sliced mushrooms, gruyere cheese and potatoes in a basket are being prepped for Potato and Mushroom Gratin.

With Easter just around the corner, you’ll want to be dinner ready for family and friends. Hopefully, with some luck, the Covid-19 gathering restrictions will ease in my area and a modest gathering can take place. I do miss my family and friends, and I miss cooking for them. It’s the best part of any gathering, in my opinion. You’re gonna love this easy and delicious Potato and Mushroom Gratin. It feeds 8 people, it’s easy to assemble and bakes up golden and creamy every time. There’s no messing around with cooking a white sauce, there’s no boilovers and no pre-cooking potatoes. It’s a no-fuss casserole, loaded with earthy mushrooms and Gruyere cheese, and has become my favourite to serve with ham. It’s also fantastic served with roast chicken, pork or grilled steak.

Sauteed mushroom in a stainless steel skillet that have been cooked for Potato and Mushroom Gratin.
A prepped and layered Potato and Mushroom Gratin in a red casserole dish ready for the oven.

What makes this potato casserole a winner in my books is the simplicity of the sauce. The mixture of cream and sour cream makes it extra creamy and the sour cream gives a little tang. The sauce is whisked together cold and poured over the potato slices. I find there’s no need to be fussy with the potato arrangement either. Simply toss the slices into the casserole dish and spread them around evenly instead of trying to layer them ever so carefully. If you don’t have a mandolin for thinly slicing the potatoes, that’s no problem, simply slice as thin as you can by hand and cook for the longest time suggested in the recipe. Remember, dinner doesn’t need to be fussy. This simple casserole is not only delicious, but it also feeds a small crowd and is worthy of your family gathering. Enjoy!

Potato and Mushroom Gratin baked golden in a red casserole dish and garnished with chopped green onions.

Author:  Compelled to Cook

Potato and Mushroom Gratin baked golden in a red casserole dish and garnished with chopped green onions.
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Potato and Mushroom Gratin

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp salted butter plus more for dish
  • 16 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced see note
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sour cream, full fat
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • pinch nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes see note
  • 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and butter a large 3-quart casserole dish.
  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until starting to foam. Add mushroom and cook until lightly browned and the moisture has evaporated. Add minced garlic and continue to cook, stirring often for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  • While mushrooms are cooking, whisk together cream, sour cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg. In a separate bowl whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Add to the sour cream and cream and whisk until incorporated. Grate the cheese and set it aside.
  • Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Spread half of the potato slices evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Scatter half of the sauteed mushroom and half of the cheese evenly over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes, mushrooms and cheese.
  • Pour cream mixture evenly over potatoes. Give the pan a gentle shake to help flatten everything out. Cover and bake for 45-60 minutes (this will depend on how thin you've sliced the potatoes) Start checking at 45 minutes. The potatoes should be almost tender in the center. Remove cover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden.
  • Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

-Russet potatoes work well for this recipe, however,  I've also used red potatoes with equally good results.
-The covered cooking time will vary slightly depending on how thin you've sliced the potatoes.  I find cutting them by hand instead of using a mandolin requires closer to 60 minutes covered.
-I like using cremini mushrooms for this recipe as they have a little more earthiness than regular white mushrooms, however, either work well as does a mix of mushrooms.

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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
Whiskey Lemonade

Whiskey Lemonade

by | Apr 24, 2020 | BEVERAGES | 2 comments

Whiskey Lemonade

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Whiskey Lemonade served over ice in two glasses garnished with lemon slices.

Be ready for summer with this bright and refreshing Whiskey Lemonade. So simple to stir together and perfect for entertaining or just sipping yourself while enjoying the sun.

I chose to use frozen lemonade concentrate in this recipe for two reasons. The first was for convenience and the second to control the strength and concentration of the lemonade. I first mixed the lemonade according to the can directions and felt that it lacked flavour, sweetness and brightness. I then changed to mixing the cocktail using the concentrate itself in frozen form. This allowed me to control how lemony and sweet I wanted the drink. Using it frozen also ensured a cold drink. One standard 295ml tin of frozen lemonade concentrate will yield 4.75 drinks. If I was serving at a party, I would mix the concentrate with the appropriate amount of water which is 700ml or just over 2.75 cups.  Once mixed, you can keep it chilled and mix with your whiskey of choice as needed. However you choose to mix it, it’s a very simple cocktail that’s perfect for a hot sunny day. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Whiskey Lemonade displayed on a rustic wooden board.

As I believe with any good cocktail, it’s important to use good quality water.  Either filtered or bottled is recommended as it eliminates the variance of everyone’s water, whether it be good or bad.  

Check out these other wonderful summer cocktails!!

Brent’s Best Margaritas

Zesty Michelada

Apple Lime Slush

Author:  Compelled to Cook

 

Whiskey Lemonade served over ice in two glasses garnished with lemon slices.
Whiskey Lemonade
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    2 cocktails 10 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    2 cocktails 10 minutes
    Whiskey Lemonade served over ice in two glasses garnished with lemon slices.
    Whiskey Lemonade
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      2 cocktails 10 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      2 cocktails 10 minutes
      Ingredients
      Servings: cocktails
      Instructions
      1. Fill two glasses half full of ice. To a cocktail shaker or large glass measuring cup add whiskey, lemonade concentrate and water. Shake or stir to mix and pour over ice, dividing evenly between glasses. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or wedges. Serve immediately.
      Recipe Notes

      -Using filtered or bottled water can make a huge difference.  Everyone's tap water is different and some not the best for drinking as they are loaded with chlorine, sulfur etc.  By using good water ensures a good tasting drink.

      - One 295ml Minute Maid frozen lemonade will yield 4.75 cocktails.

       

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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