Dark Chocolate and Amaretti Semifreddo

The unusual holiday heatwaves seem to be well and truly behind us here in Cape Town, and all of a sudden the dark, chilly mornings and early sunsets are more obvious and a reminder of the cold (and hopefully very rainy) months ahead. As I sit here I am wearing two jerseys and clutching a hot cup of tea and I had second thoughts about posting this recipe given the shift in seasons and the fact that this is a frozen dessert. Then I laughed at this silliness because frankly any time of the year is appropriate for a chocolate dessert, frozen or not. Who's with me? 

Salted Caramel Toffee Chunk Ice Cream

Here I was thinking that this recipe would be a fully loaded last nod to summer (given the darker mornings and cooler evenings) when Cape Town surprised us with a whopper of a hot day yesterday. Temperatures soared as high as forty degrees in some places - definitely ice cream weather! We spent our public holiday wandering around the V&A Waterfront visiting our favourite haunts (the aquarium and food market are always a must) and strolling around the harbour past the buskers, interesting curio shops and overheating tourists. 

Lemon Curd Swirl Ice Cream

So before you think I have lost the plot let me confirm a few things. Yes, I know it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, it is true - I am currently sitting at my desk, typing this recipe while the rain lashes my window and my fingertips begin to feel more and more numb. (In fairness it was 25 degrees two days ago, Cape Town - you tease!) But yes - I have still chosen to post this recipe that I created recently. On a cold day. In this here winter season. And that is simply because ice cream is fantastically fabulous and should, I think, be enjoyed and appreciated all year round! Everyone happy? Good! 

Honey Roasted Nectarine & Lavender Ice Cream ... and a chat with Hein van Tonder

Cape Town is home to a thriving community of food bloggers, and I am constantly impressed by the work published by us folk down here at the tip of Africa. One of these local talents is Hein Van Tonder, who blogs over at Heinstirred.