Passion Fruit & Tree Tomato Ice Cream

April 29, 2021mayurisjikoni

EVENT: SHHH COOKING SECRETLY

THEME: FROZEN TREATS

RECIPE: PASSION FRUIT & TREE TOMATO ICE CREAM

This Passion Fruit & Tree Tomato Ice Cream has been inspired from the regular fresh juices that one generally finds on restaurant menus in Kenya. In fact, I love passion fruit and tree tomato juice as it is so refreshing, aromatic and delicious. So, as expected this ice cream turned out just that, refreshing, aromatic and super delicious.

Brief History of Ice Cream

According to history an ice cream like produce was invented in China around 200BC. In fact, Milk and rice mixture was frozen by packing it in snow. Some say it was invented in Persia. It is believed that the Roman Emperor Nero had slaves collect ice from the Apennine Mountains. Mixed with wine and honey, it was the first sorbet like frozen treat. During the 16th Century horsemen would collect ice from the Hindu Kush for the Mughal Emperors to make fruit sorbets. It was till the mid 18th century that ice creams became more affordable for the ordinary people.

Memories

Incidentally, frozen treats go by different names in different countries. Sorbets, gelato, kulfi, frozen custard, frozen yogurt. On the whole, I am so happy that ice cream was invented! What would life be without ice creams? Can you imagine, for a minute! By the way, Ice creams for me is always associated with celebrations and happy memories. Actually, the fun part was when in the evenings the huge family would pack into the mini van and go to SNO- Cream for a quick cone. Or to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries we would go to the hotels for desserts and they usually were sundaes.

Actually, the first time my aunt and I ever made ice cream at home was well, not creamy at all! In reality, it was more like frozen flavored milk, but the family enjoyed it all the same. Then, we realized that whipping the cream was essential, using right consistency of milk was paramount. And hey presto! second trial was a much better ice cream.

When my kids were growing up, I use to make fresh fruit lollies for them as Mombasa weather is almost always hot. Specifically, trips to the Ice Cream Parlours were reserved for weekends.

Some Frozen Treats You May Want To Check Out:

A bit about the group:

Every month a new theme is chosen by members. Then the participants are paired up. In turn, they give each other 2 secret ingredients to use in their recipe which is prepared fitting the theme. As soon as their dish is ready, the photo is shared on our Facebook group and other try and guess the secret ingredients. Finally, towards the end of the month the recipe is shared on the group. Furthermore, this way members get to know each other and interact with each other.

This Month’s Theme

Keeping in mind that its Summer Time in India, Pavani who blogs at Pavani’s Kitchen suggested FROZEN TREATS as our theme for the month of April. And am I so glad as it is very very hot in Mombasa too. In particular because the rains haven’t arrived! Incidentally, Pavani has so many delicious and easy recipes that I want to try. First on the list is her 4 Ingredient Coffee Ice Cream as I’m a huge fan of coffee.Additionally, also would love to try out her refreshing Rose Mojito. Please do check out her frozen treat Easy Oreo Ice Cream.

My Partner

In regards to this month, my partner is Anu who blogs at Ente Thattukada. In brief, Anu’s blog is a mixture of South Indian and International recipes. I’ve bookmarked Vettu Cake a tea time snack from the state of Kerala and Vattayappam, Kerala Style Steamed Cakes. For the frozen treat Anu gave me passion fruit and cream as my secret ingredients. And Anu used the secret ingredients dates and banana to prepare a healthy, delicious and creamy Chocolate Ice Cream.

Ingredients Required For Passion Fruit & Tree Tomato Ice Cream

Passion Fruit Concentrate – Passion Fruit is a tropical fruit with a tough outer skin encasing juicy seeds within it. Though its sour, one can enjoy the pulp with the seeds on its own as it is rich in Vitamins A & C and antioxidants. To get the concentrate, cut the fruit into half, remove the pulp from the outer rind. It is then processed in a blender for a few seconds. Strain the pulp in a sieve to remove the seeds. Now you have passion fruit concentrate.
Tree Tomato – Also known as tamarillo, is a tropical fruit. Here too the pulp is generally enjoyed on its own as its packed with Vitamins A, C and E. Here too the fruit is cut into half and the pulp is scooped out. Since the pulp is less juicy and more thick, a bit of water is required to process the pulp in the blender. The mixture is then strained using a sieve to remove the seeds.
Coconut Milk – can use normal dairy milk or evaporated milk too.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Whipping Cream or Heavy Cream
Sugar – optional. I didn’t add any sugar as the sweetness from the sweetened condensed milk was right for us. Taste the mixture and add sugar
Salt – just a generous pinch is added to bring out the flavors.

Please note that no flavoring of any sort is added as passion fruit has its own strong flavour and aroma too.

Dietary Tips:

Gluten Free
Egg free