perfect scoop: citrus and pink prosecco sorbet

My bloggie friend/tweep Wendy is always crafting an exquisite ice cream from David Lebovitz's seminal tome The Perfect Scoop. (consider following David out on twitter--his tweets are hi-larious). I checked the book out from the local library a few weeks ago to review. Should I add this specialty cookbook to my collection?

The verdict: a resounding yes.

Lebovitz's book contains classics and inspired creations in ice creams, sorbets, sherbets, and frozen yogurt.

This afternoon I sat inside gazing at the gorgeous spring day outside, moved to my deck with my journal and a book, and promptly returned indoors as the lake breeze was a little too cold. I pondered what to do next. Should I start moving books and furniture out of my study in preparation for the painting project? Read? Work on my Spring 2009 Commemorative Mix CD?

The ice cream book beckoned, and I settled on a pink grapefruit and champagne sorbet. I raided my fridge--2 pink grapefruits, 1 lime, 1 lemon, and a bottle of pink prosecco. My ice cream canister was in the freezer. My next move was decided.

Sorbet is a snap to make. Basically, you start with a sugar syrup. In this case, you cook half of the wine with sugar just until the sugar is dissolved, add the rest of the wine and the fruit juice, set in the fridge for a few hours to cool, and then pour in the ice cream maker.

Here's my version of David's recipe

Citrus and Pink Prosecco Sorbet
adapted from David Lebovitz

1 1/3 cup pink prosecco
1 c sugar
2 1/2 c citrus juices (2 grapefruits, 1 lemon, 1 lime, and a splash of orange juice)

Heat half of wine and sugar on stovetop until sugar is dissolved. Add remaining liquids. Refrigerate until cool. Place in ice cream maker and follow directions. Freeze.

Enjoy plain, as a prosecco float, or with crisp vanilla cookies. The sorbet is light, refreshing, tangy, tart, and not at all too sweet.

I gleaned the last streams of natural light for this photo, bringing my frozen treat onto the deck to celebrate the summery-ish feeling, if not temperature.