Cinnamon Semifreddo With Figs Food

FRUIT AND CINNAMON SEMIFREDDO

Steps:

• Prepare a double boiler or fit a heatproof bowl over a small saucepan of simmering water. In the bowl, combine the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar, and whisk until frothy. Transfer the bowl immediately to an ice bath, stirring occasionally, until cool.
• Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to medium peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled egg yolk mixture and then stir in the cinnamon.
• In a separate mixing bowl, whip the egg whites and amaretto liqueur until soft peaks form and fold that into the egg yolk-cream mixture. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or small baking dish and freeze the mixture until soft-frozen, about 4 hours.
• While the semifreddo freezes, toss berries with the lemon juice and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a small bowl. Lightly mash with a fork to crush some of the berries. To serve, spoon the semifreddo into individual dessert dishes, top with some of the berry mixture and garnish with shaved chocolate.

SPICED HONEY SEMIFREDDO WITH DRIED FRUIT AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Pour the milk into a saucepan and bring just to a boil over medium-high heat.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar until the sugar starts to dissolve and the yolks turn light yellow, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the hot milk, adding it in a thin stream at first so as not to cook the yolks, and then more quickly. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, without boiling, until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and amaretto. Refrigerate until cool (or chill in a water bath).
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast until golden and fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes.
• When the custard is cold, whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold into the custard along with the toasted almonds. Scrape the mixture into a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan, cover and freeze until firm.
• Meanwhile, put the figs, dates, honey, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the fruit is soft. Let cool slightly, then remove the cinnamon stick.
• To serve, dip the bottom of the loaf pan in a bowl of hot water for 5 seconds. Put a platter on top and then invert quickly; lift off the loaf pan. Cut the semifreddo into slices and put the slices on plates. Spoon the spiced honey and dried fruit over and crumble amaretto cookies over the top for crunch.

STICKY CINNAMON FIGS

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium high. Cut a deep cross in the top of each fig then ease the top apart like a flower. Sit the figs in a baking dish and drop a small piece of the butter into the centre of each fruit. Drizzle the honey over the figs, then sprinkle with the nuts and spice.
• Grill for 5 mins until figs are softened and the honey and butter make a sticky sauce in the bottom of the dish. Serve warm, with dollops of mascarpone or yogurt.