A kitchen needs a network of suppliers. What would chefs do without the tireless farmers and gardeners, mushroom gatherers, and fishermen returning with the daily catch? The supplier and the chef must have a perfectly interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship. I still remember the wild strawberries waiting for me in the morning when I arrived at the Louis XV. There they were, these tiny fruits from the woods, carefully placed on the table… precious gems nestled protectively in soil and leaves.
Prepare the strawberries and juice
Prepare the mascarpone sorbet
- 1 organic or untreated lemon
- 1 cup (200 g) superfine sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) water
- 4 1/2 oz (125 g) fromage blanc (20% or 0% fat)
- mascarpone
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the strawberries and juice
The day before, put the bowl of an ice cream maker into the freezer. Wash and hull the strawberries and place in a heatproof bowl. Sprinkle with the sugar and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
Place the bowl of strawberries in a bain-marie (water bath). Cook for 1 hour without removing the plastic wrap. Position a chinois over a bowl, and drain the strawberries for 15 minutes to obtain the juice. Do not press down on the fruit, as this is not a coulis.
Step 2: Prepare the mascarpone sorbet
Zest and juice the lemon; strain the juice.
Before juicing a lemon, roll it on the work surface, pressing hard with the palm of your hand. This bursts the pulp cells, making it easier to juice.
Combine the sugar and water; boil. When cool, add the lemon juice and zest.
Whisk the fromage blanc and mascarpone to combine.
Add to the syrup and whisk until smooth.
Pour the sorbet preparation into an ice cream maker; process until firm but creamy.
To prevent a crust forming on the sorbet, place plastic wrap directly on the surface before storing it in the freezer.
Arrange the wild strawberries, tips up, in a dessert dish; pour over a little juice. Scrape the sorbet with a spoon to shape a quenelle. Warm the spoon in the palm of your hand and gently turn the quenelle onto the strawberries. Serve the remaining juice separately, pour the strawberry juice on the dessert just before serving.
This recipe was originally published in "My Best Alain Ducasse" (Éditions Alain Ducasse). See all credits
