Café Liégeois

Decadent Café Liégeois: A Recipe to Savor

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic French dessert, Café Liégeois. This sophisticated and creamy dessert combines homemade ice cream with a splash of espresso and a hint of rum, making it a perfect treat for coffee lovers. Below is a detailed guide on how to craft this delicious dessert from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream:

• 500ml double cream
• 325ml whole milk
• 125ml espresso
• 1 vanilla pod (seeds scraped out)
• 200g caster sugar
• 8 egg yolks
• 75ml dark rum

To Serve:

• 100ml whipping cream
• 1 tsp icing sugar
• A splash of vanilla extract
• Crushed ice
• 1 large cup sweetened black coffee, chilled
• A large pinch of cocoa powder

Directions

Prepare the Ice Cream:

1. Warm the Ingredients: In a saucepan, gently warm the cream, milk, espresso, and vanilla seeds until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
2. Mix Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks until pale and creamy. Gradually pour the warm cream mixture over the yolk mixture, continuously whisking to combine.
3. Cook the Mixture: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, or reaches 82°C on a digital thermometer. If the mixture begins to scramble, strain it through a fine sieve to smooth it out.
4. Chill and Churn: Allow the mixture to cool completely before stirring in the rum. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then transfer it to the freezer until needed.

Serve:

1. Whip the Cream: In a bowl, whip the cream with icing sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. Assemble the Dessert: In a serving glass, place a scoop of the prepared ice cream over crushed ice. Pour chilled sweetened black coffee over the ice cream, and top with a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of cocoa powder over the whipped cream for a finishing touch.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Café Liégeois recipe not only offers a luxurious blend of flavors but also an enchanting dessert experience. Whether as a grand finale to a dinner party or a sumptuous treat to unwind, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the melding of coffee, cream, and a hint of rum in this timeless French delicacy.

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