Red, White and Blue Berry Semiffreddo
Fourth of July was so different when I was five. We would spend the day up at the cabin, enjoying the sun and water, eating hot dogs and chips, and running around in our swimsuits. Then at night, when it was finally dark enough, my uncle would set off fireworks at the end of the dock for us to oooh and aahhh at. We would also light off sparklers and run around like crazy kids, because at that time it was not illegal. It was a big party in my mind, and I always looked forward to it. What I also looked forward to, was my Mom's dessert! She made the best red, white and blue desserts every year, featuring berries. My favorite of which, frozen whipped cream and berries. I do not remember exactly what was in it, just that it was in a large 13x9 inch pan and had the shape of a flag made of berries on the top. Now that I think of it, my Mom did make pretty good desserts.
This year on the fourth it will be pretty low key, as I am working most of the day, not spending it at the cabin in the sun. But I still feel that a good dessert is essential, party or not, and I am sure I still watch fireworks.
And so, in the spirit of the fourth, I created my own red, white and blue layered dessert remeniscent of the one my Mom used to make. Well, at least the way it tasted. I made a semifreddo using whipped coconut milk, fresh berries and a bit of agave nectar and vanilla to sweeten. Simple as that, and so delicious!I hope you all are having a wonderful Fourth of July week!
Red, White and Blue Berry Semifreddo
Serves 2-3
the cream from the top of 2 15 oz cans full fat coconut milk, chilled
2 Tbsp coconut nectar or maple syrup, divided
1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract, divided
1 cup blueberries, divided
1 cup raspberries, divided
Line two 4 inch round springform pans with parchment paper (or use one 4 inch springform pan and extend the parchment to 3 inches above the pan on the sides (similar to what you would do for a souffle collar) if a tall semi-freddo is desired instead of two small). Set aside.
In a large chilled bowl, whip coconut milk to stiff peaks, about 2 minutes. Beat in nectar and vanilla until just combined. Place in the fridge to stay cool while you puree the berries. Puree half the blueberries and half the raspberries. Divide the coconut cream mixture into three chilled bowls. Fold the raspberry puree into one, and the blueberry puree into another.
Spoon half the blueberry mixture into the bottom of the two prepared pans dividing evenly between the two(or the bottom of the tall pan), top with a few blueberries. Next do the same with the raspberry mixture, topping with a few raspberries. Next the vanilla layer. Then repeat the layers again ending with the vanilla. Top with the remaining fresh berries, and place in the freezer for a few hours until firm, but not rock hard. To serve, cut into slices!
38 Comments
I love when certain foods bring back lovely memories and when lovely memories inspire new recipes....your dessert looks so yummy :)
Me too :)! Thanks so much, it was just the right balance of sweet!
Gorgeous! Can't wait to tasete this one toooo...:)
Thank you :)! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did should you choose to make it ;)!
This is absolutely friggen perfect for the holiday. I can't wait until my freezer works again so I can make million things like this.
Hope you get the power back soon! I certainly hope it is not as warm there as it is here! you will have to make lots of ice cream once the freezer works ;)!
This dessert is gorgeous! I love when food brings back great memories!
Thank you :)! Desserts with memories always taste better ;)!
You are amazing. What a fantastic vegan dessert. And so easy. No ice cream maker needed either, LOL. I am going to give this a try, it's a beauty and those layers look so creamy. Happy 4th to you.
Thanks so much! Your comments are too kind :)! Happy fourth to you as well!
This is absolutely drop dead gorgeous! What a beautiful dessert to celebrate our country! I have those memories as a kid too, and hope to have them again but watching my daughters run crazily around in their swim suits soaking up the sun. Have a beautiful 4th of July holiday!
Thanks so much :)! I hope you have a fantabulous fourth with your daughters and create wonderful memories for them to look back on :)!
This looks so darn good. Love the use of the red, white then the blue being the blueberries. Yum! We don't celebrate the 4th July here (obviously) but it sounds like you had a wonderful 4th July growing up in the Summer. All the traditional things you remember growing up.<br /><br />-Lisa.<br /><a href="http://www.sweet2eatbaking.com/" rel="nofollow">Sweet 2 Eat Baking</a>
Thanks so much Lisa :)! Hope you are enjoying the summer, and having other wonderful celebrations :)!
Looks gorgeous! Coconut is my weakness! Happy 4th of july!
Thank you :)! Happy 4th to you as well!
I love semifreddo and I eat it even during winter! This fruity one looks perfect!
Thank you :)! I love cool desserts even in the winter too, and semifreddo is no exception ;)!
A berrilicious treat! Yes, please! This looks fabulous Amy!
Thank you :)!
I hope you had a great holiday either way!
Thank you! You as well :)!
Gorgeous cake! I love how simple and clean the ingredients are. The perfect refreshing summer dessert!
Thanks Laura :)!
This looks brilliant! Great use of seasonal berries.
Thank you :)!
This looks fabulous!!<br />I hope you enjoyed the holiday and had a beautiful and relaxing time..
Thank you :)! I hope you ha a wonderful Holiday as well!
that looks and sounds amazing. I know what you mean about how holidays change as you get older. a few months ago i gave birth to my daughter and now i am so excited to relive all those moments through her eyes.
Thank you :)! I am sure you and your daughter will create many memorable holidays together! Hope you had a wonderful 4th :)!
What a great way to enjoy your berries and stay super cool too. Love it!
Thank you :)!
What a cool way to celebrate the 4th of July.
Thanks Sandra! It was definately cooling. Hope you had a wonderful 4th :)!
How patriotic! (And beautiful!!!)
Thanks Tiffany :)!
This looks awesome and definitely highlights the berries of summer =)
Thank you :)!