Cosmic Cuisine

Some years ago I found a delightful cookbook by Tom Jaine entitled Cosmic Cuisine.  The recipes revolve around the signs of the Zodiac.  While I’m not oone to believe in life being determinie by the Zodiac, the recipes presume to be set up as the favorite foods of people born under certain signs.  The ice cream recipe is for those under the planet Venus: Taurus and Libra.  I am neither, but this ice cream is to die for.

Strawberry and Rose Petal Ice Cream

Serves four

A delicate and beautiful ice cream confectionthat is a true delight.

1 large old-fashioned red rose

1 lb ripe strawberries

1 cup granulated sugar

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

Strip the petals from the rose; hull the strawberries.  Puree the fruit, petals, sugar and lemon juice in a blender.  Lightly whip the cream and fold it into the puree.  Pour the mixture into a container, cover and freeze.

After 2 hours or when the misture is just beginning to set, remove from the freezer, tip into a bowl and beat well.  Return to the freezer and repeat once more after 1 hour.  Freeze for at least four hours before serving.