Snow queen
Dive into the delightful realm of the Snow Queen dessert, a fabulous frozen treat that's as enchanting as its fairy tale namesake. This dish, a classic example of simple elegance, is perfect for any occasion, requiring no baking and embodying the essence of culinary simplicity. Below, you will find a guide on how to create this majestic dessert, originally popularized by The Hairy Bikers in their esteemed collection "Mums Know Best."
Snow Queen Dessert: A Brief Overview
The Snow Queen dessert is a marvelous blend of creamy textures and subtle flavors, making it an exquisite finale to any meal. It's a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create something truly magical. The dessert is made from double cream, brandy, caster sugar, stem ginger, and meringues, with a hint of groundnut oil for greasing. Optional garnishes include grated dark chocolate or hot chocolate sauce, adding a luxurious touch to this already decadent dessert.
Cultural or Historical Context
Though the origins of the Snow Queen dessert are modern, its name and nature evoke the magical and wintry feel of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. It's a dessert that has found its way into hearts through its simplicity and elegance, much like the story it's named after. The recipe, made famous by The Hairy Bikers, highlights the duo's commitment to homey, comforting recipes that can be enjoyed by all.
Ingredients for the Snow Queen Dessert
To create this enchanting dessert, you'll need:
- 500ml (17½ fl oz) double cream
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 1 tablespoon stem ginger (from a jar), chopped
- 1 tablespoon stem ginger sugar syrup (from a jar of stem ginger)
- 150g (5 oz) ready-made meringues, roughly broken up
- ½ teaspoon groundnut oil, for greasing
Optional for serving:
- Grated dark chocolate or hot chocolate sauce
Preparation Instructions
- Begin by whisking the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the brandy, sugar, ginger, and syrup, ensuring even distribution before adding the meringue pieces.
- Grease a pudding basin with oil, fill with the mixture, and cover. Freeze for at least eight hours for optimal firmness.
- Before serving, briefly dip the basin in hot water to ease the dessert out. Allow it to soften slightly in the fridge before garnishing as desired.
Storage and Reheating
Given its frozen nature, the Snow Queen dessert stores well in the freezer for several weeks. Ensure it's well covered to prevent freezer burn. There's no need to reheat; simply transfer it to the fridge a little before serving to soften.
Nutritional Information
The Snow Queen is rich in dairy and sugar, providing a high-energy treat best enjoyed in moderation. For specific dietary requirements or nutritional breakdown, consider consulting a nutritional calculator with the ingredients listed.
FAQ about the Snow Queen Dessert
- Can I use homemade meringues? Absolutely, though ready-made ones simplify the process.
- Is there an alcohol-free version? Yes, you can omit the brandy or substitute it with a non-alcoholic alternative for flavor.
- How can I make it vegan? Experiment with coconut cream and vegan meringue options.
Remember, this recipe is a canvas for your creativity. Feel free to adapt and experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
The original recipe for this delectable dessert comes from The Hairy Bikers' "Mums Know Best," a testament to their knack for turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.