Hot Ice Cream Balls, despite their intriguing name, blend the cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream with the satisfying crunch of a deep-fried outer shell. Originating from a Chinese restaurant, these delightful treats are a fusion of textures and flavors that promise to surprise and delight your taste buds. Imagine the contrast of biting through a crispy, golden coating into a chilly, creamy interior – it’s a culinary experience that’s both playful and indulgent.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 48 hours
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 48 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, very hard
- 2 cups plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 60g butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp Grand Marnier
- 1/2 tbsp Cointreau liqueur
- 3 tbsp cornflour
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 413.1
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13.4g
- Cholesterol: 113.2mg
- Sodium: 159.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugars: 45.1g
- Protein: 5.8g
Recipe Instructions
-
Prepare for Success: Ensure all ingredients are kept cold. Place a scone (biscuit) tray in the freezer before starting to make the ice cream balls.
-
Forming Ice Cream Balls: Scoop very hard vanilla ice cream into balls using an ice cream scoop. Place the balls on the chilled tray and return to the freezer until they are solid.
-
Coating Process: Work quickly to coat the ice cream balls: lightly coat each ball in flour, dip in the beaten eggs mixed with milk, and firmly coat with breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls back on the tray in the freezer.
-
Freezing: Freeze the crumbed ice cream balls until very hard. Repeat the egg-and-breadcrumb coating process once more for a thicker coating. The balls can now be stored in the freezer until you are ready to fry and serve them.
-
Frying: Heat deep frying oil. Carefully fry two ice cream balls at a time for about 30 seconds or until they turn golden brown. Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
-
Serve: Immediately serve the hot ice cream balls with your choice of hot caramel sauce, hot chocolate sauce, or any other dessert sauce you prefer.
Tips and Tricks
- Keep it Cold: Cold ingredients are crucial for the success of this recipe. Ensure your ice cream, flour, and even the tray are well chilled.
- Quality Ice Cream: Opt for a good quality, full cream vanilla ice cream that freezes hard. This ensures the balls hold their shape during frying.
- Double Coating: Double coating the ice cream balls with flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs ensures a sturdy shell that won’t melt too quickly when frying.
- Sauce Options: Experiment with different sauces to accompany these hot ice cream balls. Caramel and chocolate sauces are classic choices, but feel free to get creative!
Story Behind the Recipe
The story of the Hot Ice Cream Balls adds a personal touch to the recipe. Originating from a Chinese restaurant where desserts are not typically featured, these balls were a special request and a result of perseverance. The recipe, acquired through a blend of broken English and determination, highlights the lengths one might go for a culinary delight. Despite the apparent complexity, the effort is truly worth the reward – a unique dessert experience that blends crispy, hot, and cold sensations in every bite.
Conclusion
Hot Ice Cream Balls stand as a testament to the creativity and fusion that can occur in culinary traditions. Combining elements of deep frying with the coolness of ice cream, this dessert promises a memorable experience for any occasion. Whether as a surprise treat for guests or a whimsical indulgence for yourself, these balls are sure to become a favorite once you experience their delightful contrasts firsthand.
