Which form of Rhubarb-Sherbet do you prefer?
You can drink a rhubarb-sherbet or use a spoon like a dessert.
How you consumed it actually would have determined whether or not you were part of
the elite, believe it or not. This could be happening today in some parts of the
world depending upon culture or circumstance.
Sherbet is originally a Turkish drink. It is considered a "cooling" drink in the
Arab world, and no alcohol added.
In the Middle Eastern countries, the word sherbet means "sweet" because of the
sugars.
Sherbet has been around in Mid-Eastern culture for centuries. Ice or snow would
have only been afforded by the elite. Otherwise, people would only be able to
mix it with water.
Thanks to technology and refrigeration in these modern times, ice cold sherbet is
available to a much larger population.
Sherbet consists mainly of a syrup made from cooking fruit juice. The juice is
cooked for some time to produce the syrup, and then sugar or honey or water is
added. Fresh ice is added afterwards if desired. The fact that the fruit is
cooked down actually enabled those of lower classes to be able to use any
available fruits not just those that were in season. In season fruits would
not have been affordable.
Many juices can be used to make a syrup. In addition to a rhubarb-sherbet, you
could use cherries, pomegranates or lemons. These are quite popular.
Did you know that sometimes flowers are used as well? Roses are quite
popular too. This would explain the rose garnishes often seen in sherbets.
Depending upon the culture, here are some other interesting facts about sherbet -
In the Middle East, sherbet is served at the signing of a marriage contract.
Shebet is served after a fast at Ramadan.
Generally, sherbet is associated with being hospitable, and found often at many
social events.
Eventually this dish appeared throughout Europe and eventually the Western world.
Culture and circumstance seems to have played a great part in the method of
consumption and overall significance of sherbet.
You decide which way you would like to serve your rhubarb-sherbet.
RHUBARB-SHERBET SYRUP RECIPE
3 cups chopped rhubarb
1 cup water
2 tblsp. rosewater
2 cups sugar
Wrap the chopped rhubarb in cheesecloth. Set aside.
Bring the water and sugar to a boil over medium heat.
Drop the cheesecloth into the syrup and simmer for
30 minutes. Add the rosewater.
Remove the cheesecloth and squeeze to get all juice out.
Pour the syrup into a bottle and cork tightly.
To serve, mix 1 part syrup with 3 parts water.
Add ice cubes or crushed ice.
RHUBARB-SHERBET
2 1/2 cups diced rhubarb
1/3 cup orange marmelade
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg white
1 1/2 cups water
2 tsp. gelatin
pinch of salt
Combine water, rhubarb and sugar and bring to a boil over
medium heat. Cook until the rhubarb is very tender.
Soften the gelatin in a little bit of water and then stir
into the rhubarb until it dissolves.
Add the salt, and then let the mixture cool down.
Stir in the orange marmelade. Place in a container
and freeze for 2 hours.
Remove from the freezer and stir in stiffly beaten egg
white. Place back into the freezer and serve when
firm.
RHUBARB AND ORANGE SHERBET
3 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp. orange zest
1/3 cup orange juice
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 egg whites
Combine the rhubarb, sugar, orange zest, juice and corn syrup in a
saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally. Reduce heat
and simmer until the rhubarb is tender. Let cool.
Freeze for 2 hours in freezer pans. Remove and add in stiffly
beaten egg whites. Gently fold them into the rhubarb mixture.
Return pan to the freezer covered.
Freeze until very firm (4 hours).
Spoon into glasses or a small dish and garnish with zest or nuts.
Please do return. Recipes are updated continuously.
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