After a leisurely lunch with family or an unforgettable dinner party with friends, you inevitably crave a dessert which best expresses the qualities of traditional Italian cuisine and gives that extra touch of sophistication - because the pleasure of sharing food together is summarized when it comes to dessert. Today we introduce a recipe a little out of the ordinary: creamed almonds, which despite being prepared with only a few simple ingredients, really hits the spot for its freshness, sweetness and richness of flavour, able to win over even the most refined and demanding of palates. Are you ready to create a truly delicate and unusual dessert, perfect for the long warm evenings of summer?
* approximate values per serving
Blanch the almonds in a saucepan of boiling water for a few seconds, drain and peel them, if using already shelled almonds. Chop them in a food processor or with an immersion blender and blend them with the warm milk and dissolved sugar. Strain the mixture with a fine mesh strainer and add a heaped tablespoon of chopped almonds. Keep aside 100ml of milk. Dissolve the cornflour in the 100 ml of milk making sure there are no lumps, and then re-incorporate this into the milk and almond mixture. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil and turn off the heat once it has thickened. Pour the mixture into a mould wettened with cold water and leave to cool in the fridge for 4 hours. Meanwhile, caramelize the sugar with a spoon of water and pour it onto a bit of baking paper so as to form fine platelets of sugar. Serve garnished with the crushed, caramelised sugar.
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Dissolve the sugar in the milk which has been gently warmed
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Blitz the almonds with an electric hand blender with the milk
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve
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Dissolve the cornflour in 100ml of set aside milk, making sure there are no lumps, and then re-incorporate this into the milk and almond mixture. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil and turn off the heat once it has thickened.
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Pour the mixture into a large mould wettened with cold water and leave to cool in the fridge for 4 hours.
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Caramelise the cane sugar
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Pour the caramelised sugar onto some baking parchment so as to form sugar platelets as it cools
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Serve the creamed almonds cold, decorated with the crumbled, caramelised sugar
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One of the tastiest variations of Almond Cream is undoubtedly the one made with brown sugar. This ingredient not only gives a more intense and caramelized flavor to the cream but also makes it slightly healthier compared to white sugar. To make this variation, simply replace regular sugar with brown sugar during preparation. The cream will have a silky consistency and an enveloping aroma, perfect for accompanying desserts, tarts, or simply to enjoy by the spoonful. If you desire an even more special touch, you can flavor the cream with a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla, which pairs beautifully with the flavor of almonds. This preparation is ideal for those who love to experiment in the kitchen and offers an alternative to traditional recipes.
Almond Cream has ancient origins and various regional variations, one of the most famous being the Lucanian version. This preparation typical of Basilicata is distinguished by the use of fresh, high-quality almonds, often toasted to enhance their flavor. The traditional recipe involves slow cooking, which allows the ingredients to blend perfectly and achieve a thick, velvety cream. The inhabitants of Basilicata often use this cream to fill typical sweets, such as bocconotti or tarts, making every bite an explosion of authentic flavors. Preparing Lucanian Almond Cream means bringing a piece of culinary history to the table, celebrating the tradition and quality of local ingredients. This variation is not just a dessert but a true homage to the gastronomic culture of the region.
For those who desire a lighter version of Almond Cream, it is possible to prepare it without sugar, using natural sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup. This variation is perfect for those following a low-calorie diet or for those who are mindful of their nutrition but do not want to give up flavor. The preparation remains essentially the same, with the only difference being the substitution of sugar with the chosen sweetener. Additionally, the amount of milk can be reduced to obtain a thicker cream, ideal for spreading on toasted bread or used as a filling for light desserts. This light version is perfect for those seeking a healthy alternative without compromising on taste, allowing even calorie-conscious individuals to enjoy Almond Cream.
Almonds, the main ingredient in Almond Cream, are a superfood rich in nutrients. They are a source of vitamin E, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fatty acids, which help maintain a healthy heart and reduce cholesterol. Additionally, almonds are high in fiber, which promotes digestion and helps maintain a good level of satiety. A serving of Almond Cream (about 100 grams) provides approximately 600 calories, but this value can vary based on the added ingredients. By choosing quality ingredients and opting for lighter variations, it is possible to enjoy this cream in a balanced way, taking advantage of its benefits without giving up on the pleasure of taste.
Almond Cream can be frozen, but it is important to follow some precautions to preserve its quality. It is recommended to store it in airtight containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Before using it, it is best to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or leave it at room temperature. However, it is possible that the consistency of the cream may change slightly after freezing; it may become a bit grainy. In case of separation, simply mix the cream well before serving. By freezing Almond Cream, you have the opportunity to enjoy it at any time, making it an excellent solution for those who love to prepare desserts in advance or for those who want to always have a delicious ready-to-use dessert on hand.