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 love this combination of of citrus and pepper. I am now figuring out when I can make it.
Jason
81 degrees right now. I’m ready for some lemon Italian ice. Bring it on!
This sounds so intriguing! YUM! I feel like this recipe totally lives up to your name, a spicy “perspective” on italian ice. :) P.s… I LOVE those little cups, where did you get them!?
Pingback: Italian Spring: White Bean Soup, Easy Mini Pizza Cups, Roasted Asparagus & Lemon Peppercorn Ice | Eat The Web
I like the idea of adding peppercorn! Very creative!
What a great shot; I love the peppercorns scattered about! –Also love any individual desserts, especially when they are guilt free!
So unique Sommer! You recipes put me to shame. You really are one talented chef!
Oooooh meyer lemons with peppercorns….this sounds gooooood! I love Italian Ice – I will print this right now because I think it’s going to become the ‘go to’ summer treat when I need to lose a few elbees, but I also need to get my dessert fix!
That looks lovely. I love italian ice. I would never think of adding peppercorns.
Yum! Love the flavor combination and it looks so easy. Great post.
This may be your most interesting pairing yet! I would’ve never thought to combine lemon and pepper in a dessert! It looks perfect for summer :)
This looks delicious! Perfect for a North Carolina summer day… although in the Triangle, it feels more like winter than summer! URG! Anyhow… amazing pictures and beautiful looking dessert!
This looks mighty yummy, Sommer.
What a wonderful flavor contrast. I love pepper – probably more than I should and these sound to die for. (they look awfully pretty as well!)
A recipe which is going to save me from summer heat! This is so simple and yet so healthy with the peppercorns in it. Very exciting recipe, indeed, Sommer.
To be honest I fall under the first category. The richer the sweet the more I love it! I am of the eopinion that if I will sin, I will do it all the way, no regrets, no tears! With your photos you succeeded in making this so to say “light sweet” very tempting even for my standards.
More of the Italian ice, that is…I hope that came out right.
I love the photos. You really presented this unique dessert in a great fashion. Healthy or not, you would have everyone hungry for more.