Gelati, Sorbets and Ice Creams ~ Elsa Petersen-Schepelern

This is one of those very pretty little books that is as fun to look at as it is to cook from. With the majority of recipes offered a double page spread there certainly isn't room for hundreds of offerings, however the 30 recipes supplied are varied and interesting and don't leave you feeling shortchanged.


The book begins with the traditional recipes, Gelato di créma, Traditional italian gelato and Rich traditional gelato, followed by liqueur-flavoured, fruit and spice gelati and chocolate, coffee and nuts. There are sections featuring sorbets and sorbetti and a section on asian flavours. There are some delightful recipes throughout the book such as the Pineapple, rum and coconut gelato, the Marscapone, cognac and clove gelato and the Orange and cardamom gelato. I'm not one for melon so I'd skip the Sorbetto melone, however the Gingered poached pears with ginger gelato are a whole different story and would make a very nice complete dessert. I think my favourites though would be the Italian lemon sorbetto, the Lemongrass gelato and the Thai coconut and mango ice - Yum!

Recommended for anyone with an ice-cream machine (it's a bugger to make the stuff without one).

- Kath