Florean Fortescue’s Lemon Ice | Harry Potter Inspired Recipes
The Starving Chef is supported by Hungry People like you. When you make a purchase through an affiliate link on my site, I may earn a little bit of cash on the side (at no extra cost to you) to help keep my kitchen running. Read our disclosures here.
What’s Up, Hungry People
Harry Potter week continues here in the Starving Chef’s kitchen! Today, we join Harry Potter himself for a sweet treat at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour in Diagon Alley. Florean Fortescue would provide Harry with free ice cream sundaes while he studied during the summer that Harry spent staying at the Leaky Cauldron down the street.
It’s mentioned in the books that Florean’s shop was home to a multitude of magical flavors that changed daily. In real life, even Muggles can taste the many flavors of his ice cream at his shop at Universal Studios Diagon Alley in Orlando, Florida.
This lemon lingonberry ice cream is reminiscent of Harry’s first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, where they allowed him to have Dudley’s leftover lemon ice. However, I’d like to think that Harry may have mentioned his trip, and Florean whipped up this unique flavor just for him.
It’s not exactly ice cream – it’s more of a granita ice – but it is still magically delicious. With a twang of lemon mellowed out with lingonberries, this lemon ice is the perfect addition to a sunny day strolling down the main street of Diagon Alley.
While Florean Fortescue’s fate is ultimately an unhappy one, his character was always kind to Harry and his friends.
Don’t forget to check back every day for new Harry Potter-inspired recipes!
Here’s What You Need
- Lemons: Provides the tart, refreshing base flavor.
- Water: Forms the liquid base to dissolve the sugar and lemon.
- Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and balances the lemon’s acidity.
- Lingonberry jam: Adds a unique, slightly tart flavor and texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Contributes creaminess and a slight tang.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and tartness.
Let’s Conjure!
First, grab your cauldron—or in this case, a large pot. Combine the sugar, water, lemon slices, zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once that’s achieved, pour in about half of the lemon juice. Keep boiling for another 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce and thicken slightly.
Straining the Magical Elixir
Next, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve. Don’t toss out those boiled rinds and zest just yet; they’re going to crystallize as they set, making for a delightful treat later. Pop the strained liquid into the fridge and chill it until it’s very cold, which should take about 2-4 hours.
Blending in the Creaminess
When your lemon potion is chilled, stir in the remaining lemon juice. Now comes the tricky part—combining the Greek yogurt. Use an immersion blender or a standing blender because the yogurt won’t mix in smoothly on its own. Once blended, stir in the lingonberry jam by hand until the berries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Freezing the Potion
Now, you have two options for freezing. For smoother results, pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s churned and frozen, transfer it to a large, airtight container and let it freeze solid for at least 8-10 hours.
If you don’t have an ice cream machine, no worries! Simply pour the mixture into a large, airtight container and freeze it until solid—again, at least 8-10 hours. The texture will be a bit icier, but still delicious.
Enjoying The Magic!
After all that hard work, it’s time to enjoy your creation! Scoop out some lemon lingonberry ice and savor it while studying for your O.W.L.s, just like Harry might have done.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Lemon Ice
- Ensure Proper Chill: Make sure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before adding the yogurt and jam. This prevents curdling and helps with even distribution.
- Crystallized Zest: Don’t forget to use the crystallized lemon zest as a garnish. It adds a delightful crunch and extra lemony flavor.
- Texture Variation: If you prefer a smoother texture, periodically stir the mixture while it’s freezing to break up ice crystals.
- Jam Substitution: If you can’t find lingonberry jam, try using raspberry or blackberry jam for a different but equally delicious flavor.
- Storage Tip: Store your lemon ice in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the freezer.
Florean Fortescue’s lemon ice with lingonberry is a treat worthy of the wizarding world. The tangy lemon combined with the unique flavor of lingonberries creates a refreshing dessert perfect for any Harry Potter fan. Whether you’re a seasoned wizard in the kitchen or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough – even Neville Longbottom could do it!
Bring a bit of Diagon Alley magic into your home and delight in a dessert that would make Florean proud. Keep checking back for more magical recipes inspired by the Harry Potter series.
Happy cooking, Hungry People!
Florean Fortescue’s Lemon Ice | Harry Potter Inspired Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the sugar, water, lemon slices, zest, and a pinch of salt. Boil until the sugar has dissolved. Add about half of the lemon juice and continue to boil for another 30 minutes to reduce.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve. Reserve the boiled rinds and zest in a small bowl – they will begin to crystallize as they set. Chill the strained liquid until very cold, at least 2-4 hours.
- Stir the rest of the lemon juice into the chilled liquid. Use an immersion blender or a standing blender to combine the Greek yogurt (it will not mix in naturally unless blended). Stir in the lingonberry jam by hand until the individual berries are suspended in the liquid.
Freezing Method #1 (smoother results):
- Pour the liquid into an ice cream machine. Follow the ice cream machine instructions to blend until frozen. Transfer the frozen ice cream to a large, airtight storage container. Freeze until solid – at least 8-10 hours.
Freezing Method #2 (icy results):
- Pour the liquid into a large, airtight container. Freeze until solid – at least 8-10 hours.
- Enjoy while studying for your O.W.L.s!
