From the Hearth - Syllabub

I don't know about you, but there is something about summer that makes me want creamy, decadent desserts. But mostly desserts that require little effort and even less cooking.

The Syllabub has been around for centuries, since the 16th century to be more precise. Its a classic British dessert that consists mostly of whipped cream and alcohol, what could be better?

It ends up tasting like a very simple mousse, or very light, soft ice cream. It's perfect for summer (no oven required) and your wallet will love it. Depending on the alcohol you pick, it can even be lowish in carbs.

There is no hard and fast recipe for Syllabub, its all about experimenting and adjusting to suit your own personal taste. But after much research, this is what I have found.

Ingredients

• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 1 cup sherry
• 2 tbsp. cognac
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon, reserve a small amount for garnish
• 1 cups plus 2 tbsp. cold heavy cream (preferably unhomogenized)
• Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 sprigs rosemary

Instructions

Put sugar, sherry, cognac, lemon juice, and zest into a large bowl. Stir well, then cover and let sit out at room temperature overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

Add heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg to the sherry mixture and whip with a whisk until soft peaks form. Spoon into 4 glasses and garnish each with a bit of lemon zest and a sprig of rosemary.

Brandy, sherry and cognac are the most common liquors used in this dessert, but baileys would taste amazing I'm sure. Often used are sweet white dessert wines, or a medium dry white wine. Sugar really is optional, adjust it up and down depending on your own personal preference.

Syllabub can be made with just wine or just liquor, or a mixture.

Rum and Vodka tend to be a little too harsh, you want to go for the sweeter softer tasting alcohols.

Serve it on a cake, or over fresh berries, or simply pile it in a bowl and eat with a spoon!

Magical Energies

Magically speaking, for a simple dessert this one packs a powerful punch and by carefully selecting the fruit you serve it with, it can contain some amazing energies.

Sugar: enhances the potency of the foods it is combined with.

Cream: Prosperity, Nurturing, Protection, Success

Wine: union, communion, sharing

Serve with:

Blueberries: positive, peace, warding, protection, acceptance  

Blackberries: wealth, prosperity, protection, abundance, money, sex, fertility

Strawberries: love, joy, youth, perfection, righteousness, prosperity, peace