Chilled Strawberry Dream Soufflé
Delight in the coolness of this Chilled Strawberry Dream Soufflé, a luscious, light dessert that encapsulates the essence of summer in each bite. Using fresh strawberries, this elegant dish brings together the natural sweetness of the berries with the creamy texture of whipped cream and an airy meringue for a perfect ending to any meal. The recipe originates from the beloved 'Southern Sideboards' cookbook by the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi, and is ideal for entertaining or a delightful family treat. Note that the preparation time does not include adequate chilling, which enhances the flavors and texture.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
unflavored gelatin
4 envelopes (1 7/8 g each)
sugar
2 cups (divided)
pureed strawberries
3 cups (divided, about 3 pints)
eggs
8 (separated)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup
whipping cream
2 cups
red food coloring
as needed (for desired hue)
sliced almonds
1/2 cup (toasted, for garnish)
additional strawberries
as needed (for garnish)
additional whipped cream
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare a 2-quart soufflé dish by wrapping a 4-inch band of double-layered aluminum foil around the top to extend its depth.
2
In a saucepan, combine the gelatin and 1 cup of sugar, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of pureed strawberries.
3
Add the beaten egg yolks and mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until just boiling. Remove from the heat.
4
Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of strawberries and lemon juice. Cool the mixture by placing the pan in the refrigerator or in a bowl filled with ice water, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and mounds when dropped from a spoon (about 15 to 30 minutes).
5
While the strawberry mixture cools, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff and glossy peaks form.
6
Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the meringue.
7
In a chilled bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form and fold into the strawberry-meringue mixture.
8
Add red food coloring gradually to achieve the desired shade of pink, folding carefully.
9
Spoon the mixture into the prepared soufflé dish, smoothing and swirling the top attractively. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
10
Before serving, run a sharp knife around the inside edge of the foil band and gently remove it.
11
Garnish the top and sides of the soufflé with toasted almonds, extra strawberries, and whipped cream as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Strawberry Dream Soufflé?
It is a luscious, light dessert that combines fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and airy meringue, originating from the 'Southern Sideboards' cookbook.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
What size soufflé dish is required?
You should use a 2-quart soufflé dish.
How do I prepare the soufflé dish for the mixture?
Wrap a 4-inch band of double-layered aluminum foil around the top to extend its depth.
How many envelopes of gelatin are used?
The recipe calls for 4 envelopes of unflavored gelatin.
How much sugar is needed in total?
A total of 2 cups of sugar is used, divided throughout the recipe steps.
How much pureed strawberry is needed?
You will need 3 cups of pureed strawberries, which is approximately 3 pints.
How should the eggs be prepared?
You need 8 eggs, and they must be separated into yolks and whites.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine the gelatin, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of pureed strawberries in a saucepan.
How do I cook the strawberry and egg yolk mixture?
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture just reaches a boil.
When do I add the remaining strawberry puree?
Stir in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of strawberries and the lemon juice after removing the mixture from the heat.
How do I properly cool the cooked mixture?
Place the pan in the refrigerator or in a bowl of ice water, stirring occasionally.
How can I tell if the strawberry mixture is cool enough?
It is ready when it thickens slightly and mounds when dropped from a spoon, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
How is the meringue prepared?
Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the remaining 1 cup of sugar until stiff and glossy peaks form.
What is the next step after making the meringue?
Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the prepared meringue.
How do I prepare the whipping cream?
In a chilled bowl, beat 2 cups of whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
When do I add the whipping cream to the soufflé?
Fold the whipped cream into the strawberry-meringue mixture after they have been combined.
Why is red food coloring used?
It is added gradually to achieve the desired shade of pink for the dessert.
How should the mixture be placed in the dish?
Spoon the mixture into the dish, smoothing and swirling the top for an attractive look.
How long must the soufflé chill?
It needs to chill in the refrigerator until firm, which takes at least 4 hours or overnight.
How do I remove the foil band?
Run a sharp knife around the inside edge of the foil band before gently lifting it off.
What are the recommended garnishes for the top?
Garnish with toasted almonds, extra strawberries, and additional whipped cream.
How many almonds are needed for garnish?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of toasted sliced almonds.
Is lemon juice required for this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice is used to add flavor.
Does the preparation time include chilling?
No, the stated preparation time does not include the necessary chilling period.
What is the texture of this dessert?
The texture is described as creamy, light, and airy due to the whipped cream and meringue.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal to make it ahead since it requires at least 4 hours to overnight to set.
What cooking skill level is required for this dish?
This is an elegant dish that involves techniques like making a meringue and folding mixtures, suggesting a moderate skill level.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a refreshing dish that encapsulates the essence of summer.
Where was this recipe published?
It was published in the 'Southern Sideboards' cookbook by the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi.