Eating
gelato, like drinking espresso, is a favorite Italian pastime. It is an
opportunity to linger for conversation and people-watching, and a way
to cool down from summer's unrelenting heat. Gelato, sorbetto, and granita
flavors run the gamut from seasonal fresh fruits to popular essences including
coffee and chocolate or liqueurs such as vin santo, Marsala, limoncello,
or even grappa. Each bite packs a wallop of sensory stimulation, a celebration
of the primary ingredient undisguised by additives or cloying, heavy ingredients
that mask the original flavor. Though low in fat, often with no more than
6 to 7 percent butterfat, gelato has much more flavor than American ice
cream. This is because fat tends to coat the mouth, blocking the experience
of the fresh and natural flavor. In addition, the best gelaterie use full-flavored
seasonal products, maximizing the essence of the main ingredient. Another
reason for the intense flavors is that gelato is kept at a higher freezing
temperature. The consistency is dense and velvety, with less air beaten
into it. The softer texture glides through the mouth, making contact with
more taste buds, and because it is not so cold, the taste buds do not
become numb with freezing, but are open to accept more flavor.
Making gelato at home is a snap. Recipes include: Caffe Latte Gelato,
Florentine Rice Gelato, Zabaglione Gelato with Figs, Cactus Pear Sorbet,
Pear-Grappa Sorbet, Almond Milk Granita, and Caramel Semifreddo
Gelato! Italian Ice Cream, Sorbetti, and Granite by Pamela Sheldon
Johns - Ten Speed Press, May 2000 - Hardcover - 112 pages
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