Carolyne Roehm

Perfect Host and Guest, June 2006 >> Citrus Sorbet

Fresh. Tangy. Cold. Perfect. Sorbet in the summer is such a special treat because it is the ideal ending to a warm-weather meal. It's a flavor explosion without the heaviness of a rich cream, butter or chocolate-based dessert. And for the cook, there's hardly a homemade sweet that is easier to whip up. It's even better when made ahead.

Although fashioning these darling little citrus cups out of the fruit's rind is, well, easy peasy lemon squeezy, guests are always delighted with the presentation. The extra 10 minutes, if that, it will take to hollow out the fruit shells is time well spent!

I love citrus flavors because they are so fitting in the heat of the season. But use your imagination to concoct different flavors. Depending on the sweetness of the fruit you are using, you will need to adjust the proportion of juice to simple syrup. (Keep the sorbet smooth by running seedy or pithy juices through a sieve before freezing.) What fun to fill a whole pineapple or pomegranate with a delicious new taste!

Carolyne Roehm

Citrus Sorbet

8 lemons or limes, juice and zest of 4; use remaining to create serving cups
2 cups water
2 cups sugar

Serving Cups
Slightly cut the stem end of the lemon or lime, creating a flat surface so it will stand up straight. Cut about ½" of the top of lemon or lime to use as the lid. Using a sharp knife, cut around the inside of the fruit and carefully pull out the pulp. Freeze the lemon or lime cup while preparing the sorbet.

Sorbet
In a small saucepan over medium heat, make a simple syrup by combining the water and sugar. Heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Add lemon juice and zest to syrup and refrigerate until cold.

Place mixture in ice cream machine and freeze according to manufacturer's directions.

Fill cups with sorbet. At this point, cups can be re-frozen until ready to serve. (Frozen sorbets in shells may be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and kept in freezer 1 week.) Garnish with mint and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

I am a fanatic about details! When I am designing a table and planning a meal, I like to incorporate foods that look pretty with the dishes and accessories I am using. I love the overall polished look it creates when each element is complementary to the others.

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