As I stood in my kitchen, surrounded by a symphony of colors and scents, I felt the spark of inspiration ignite. I had just received a new ice cream maker that promised to churn out frozen delights with the precision of a master chef. The idea of a sherbet that combined floral notes with bright citrus flavors danced in my mind. Thus, the Lavender Honey Citrus Sherbet was born—a refreshing dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (approximately 4-6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (approximately 2 oranges)
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vodka (optional, for improved texture)
Instructions
Begin by infusing the honey with lavender to capture the essence of this fragrant flower in your sherbet.
In a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, and dried lavender. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat, cover, and let it steep for about 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it steeps, the more intense the lavender flavor will be.
After the honey has infused, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. Allow the lavender-infused honey to cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the cooled lavender honey until fully incorporated.
If you wish to enhance the texture of your sherbet, add the tablespoon of vodka. This step is optional but helps to keep the sherbet from becoming too icy.
Once everything is combined, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the mixture until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
Transfer the sherbet to a lidded container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until firm. If you prefer a softer texture, you can enjoy it straight from the ice cream maker!
When ready to serve, scoop the sherbet into elegant bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh lavender or a twist of citrus peel for a touch of flair. The delicate floral notes paired with the bright citrus flavors create a delightful balance that will leave your guests craving more.
Enjoy this unique Lavender Honey Citrus Sherbet as a refreshing treat on a warm day or as a palate cleanser between courses. This modern twist on a classic dessert is sure to impress!