Meyer Lemon and Peppercorn Italian Ice
Awesome Meyer Lemon and Peppercorn Italian Ice, perfect for spring and summer treats! This simple frozen dessert is easy on the waistline and big on flavor.
Healthy desserts. Is there really such a thing?
It’s sort of a oxymoron, don’t you think? Like a “friendly argument” or “jumbo shrimp” a healthy dessert sounds like a “clearly misunderstood” concept.
When I think of dessert, I think of excess, decadence, fat, carbs, sugar. I think of rich chocolate and silky cream. However, healthy is not on the radar when I ponder dessert.
Our friends that long for healthy desserts, aren’t trying to ruin the party for everyone else. The “greater minority” simply want to treat themselves without being burdened by guilt.
Although I rarely have guilt after eating something sweet, I can appreciate that train of thought.
So today’s Meyer Lemon and Peppercorn Italian Ice recipe (AKA dairy free sorbet) is for you, healthy dessert eaters. You deserve a chance to indulge while staying trim.
I’ve combined Meyer Lemons and Black Peppercorns for a delightful Italian Ice. Sound strange? Meyer lemons are less acidic than regular lemons and have a slight floral essence. This, paired with a touch of peppery heat in the back of your throat, makes a tantalizing treat.
Plus, it’s healthy. Black pepper is thought to help with digestion, provide powerful antioxidants, and even break down fat cells.
Above being a great source of vitamin C, lemons also aid digestion and are know to “cure” all sorts of ailments including canker sores, eczema, and reduce fevers.
(What’s a little white processed sugar in comparison to all these benefits?)
If that weren’t enough to close the sale, this Meyer Lemon and Peppercorn Italian Ice is perhaps the easiest recipe ever.
If you can use a zester and boil water, you can make Italian Ice. Although you could put this in your ice cream maker to speed up the freeze time, no special equipment is required. You are 6 ingredients away from a light, yet blissful, reward.
If you can’t find Meyer Lemons, substitute regular lemons. Either way, it’s “terribly good!” *wink*
Looking for more healthy dessert ideas? Try these…
Meyer Lemon and Peppercorn Italian Ice
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 3/4 cup Meyer lemon juice, freshly squeezed (6-8 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Boil 3 cups of water and add the sugar to the pan. Stir until the sugar in completely dissolved and remove from heat.
- Add the Meyer lemon zest and juice, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well.
- Pour into small 4-6 serving cups and freeze.
- When ready to serve, place on the counter for 10 minutes to soften. (You could also pour it into one larger container to freeze. Then shave it with a spoon into serve dishing later.)
I am loving the peppercorns in this. I’ve never made Italian Ice. This looks absolutely delicious. Love the photo with all the peppercorns scattered around on the yellow.
Yummy! I bet this combo is so satisfying. My mouth is watering!
As much as I love decadent desserts (and shoes, BTW), this sounds both delicious and refreshing….mmmm.
As good as it gets. Might try this with limes as we don’t get Meyer lemons in India. The very thought of lime and pepper is tantalizing yum! Gorgeous post!!
Always on a lookout for ideas on healthy desserts, and this is sure a fabulous one! Love the combo of sweet meyer lemon and fragrant peppercorns, nice!
What a unique flavor combo! Definitely going to give this one a try! =)
This could be the most creative ice I have ever seen. I wish I could taste some :-))
It’s healthy, sumptuous and a visual treat for your eyes! lovely recipe :)
love, love the yellow props… did you buy the yellow prop background? I’m looking for new background sheets for my set up but they only have limited colors… I really like this a lot.. it lemons just pop.. and I would do anything to taste a meyer lemon.
Hi EM~
I go with cheap backdrops because I always get food on them. :)
This was just a poster board.
Love lemons…and italian ice!! This looks so refreshing and tasty! ;)
Yum. I’m all about healthy desserts, but I’m always in need of new recipes. I love the unusual flavor combination here. Thank you for sharing with me. After a very long week, it is refreshing to return to the blogs/people that I love. Your words mean more to me than I can express. Many blessings this week!
Just had to check out what you’re up to with the Meyer lemons!
Interesting, lively flavor combination in an Italian ice;-)
Love the pictures too, just love the yellow with the peppercorns;-)
Hey Patty! Bet you thought I’d never get a hold of any Meyer lemons after all my whining. Let’s just say I know a guy…. ;)
Wow — how cool is this?! What a unique recipe. I love italian ice but would have never thought of adding pepper!
What a special treat, so vibrant..and so different
I’m with you, I think dessert should be an indulgence! Like double or nothing. I’m not fond of peppercorns in dessert (had an ice cream version once), but lemon ice is always light and refreshing.
Pepper and lemon, what a great combo!! I am sure it tastes unbelievably good.
Great pictures, Sommer!
Healthy AND delicious!
What a great idea! Love this flavor combo!