Lemon Semifreddo

what you need

Oil, to brush

4 savoiardi sponge-finger biscuits

80ml Vin Santo or dry marsala*

4 eggs, separated

2 lemons, rind grated

110g (1/2 cup) caster sugar

500ml (2 cups) thickened cream, whipped

Candied lemons

2 lemons, sliced

110g (1/2 cup) caster sugar

what to do

Lightly brush a 24 x 10cm terrine with oil and line with plastic wrap.

Roughly break up the sponge fingers and place in a bowl with the Vin Santo. Beat egg yolks, lemon rind and sugar until pale. In a separate bowl, beat the eggwhites until soft peaks form. Fold together sponge fingers, egg yolk mixture, eggwhites and cream, then pour into prepared terrine. Freeze overnight.

To make the candied lemons, place lemon slices in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, cook for 1 minute then drain. Discard the water and set the lemons aside.

Place the sugar and 425ml cold water in the saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves, then add the lemon slices and simmer for about 30 minutes (the lemons should be translucent and the liquid well-reduced). Drain the lemons on a rack over a tray until cool.

Allow the terrine to soften in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour. To serve, slice the semifreddo and serve with the candied lemons and cream, if desired.

chef’s note

* Vin Santo is Italian wine and is available either sweet or dry. If unavailable, use a good-quality dry marsala