Homemade Amarena Cherry Gelato

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) whole milk 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) Amarena cherries, drained and chopped 1/2 cup (120g) Amarena cherries, drained and chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 25g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until well combined.
3. 3.
   Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. 4.
   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. 6.
   Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. 7.
   Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
8. 8.
   During the last few minutes of churning, add the chopped Amarena cherries and continue churning until well incorporated.
9. 9.
   Transfer the gelato to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Amarena cherries — Make sure to drain and chop the cherries before adding them to the gelato. This will ensure even distribution of the cherries throughout the gelato.

Tips & Tricks

• For a stronger cherry flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Amarena cherry syrup to the gelato mixture before churning.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the gelato mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, remove it from the freezer and vigorously stir with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency.
• To enhance the presentation, garnish each serving with a few whole Amarena cherries and a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate.

Serving advice

Serve the Amarena Cherry Gelato in chilled bowls or cones for a refreshing and delightful dessert experience. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a crisp biscotti for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Amarena Cherry Gelato, consider serving it in elegant glass bowls or dessert glasses. Drizzle a small amount of Amarena cherry syrup on top and garnish with a fresh mint leaf for a touch of sophistication.