Strawberry Kiwi Sorbet

As I mentioned in my last post, I did some yard sale shopping this past weekend with my mom and hubby. Fortunately the hubby and I were able to find a great set of matching bedside tables for only $5 each! We have been desperately needing bedside tables since we moved into our apartment last October. Now that we finally have them our bedroom looks a bit more polished. Aside from the much needed tables, I have to say that my favorite find of the day was a Waring Frozen Dessert Maker which I scored for a mere $2! I have been wanting an ice cream maker for some time and was seriously considering begging for one for my upcoming birthday. I was beyond excited when I found the Waring model in great condition.

I brought it home and washed it up and immediately put the cooling unit in the freezer so it would be ready to use the following day. I knew I wanted to try making some sorbet first, but I wasn't sure what kind. I was interested in making some watermelon sorbet, but didn't want to spend $5 for a Kroger watermelon. Instead I opted to use the strawberries and kiwis we had setting in our fridge from the previous week. The sorbet turned out to be the perfect way to use up the fruit, as it was past its prime. I was extremely excited to set up and plug in my new (used) maker and see that it worked great! In 20 minutes time the ice cream maker stopped churning, signaling that it was finished. I decided to put the soft-serve consistency sorbet in the freezer to let it firm up a bit more before enjoying a bowl. A few hours later I dished some up for the hubby and myself and, man, it was good!

Strawberry Kiwi Sorbet
serves 4-6

2 1lb. containers fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and cut in half
6 large kiwi, peeled, diced, and cut into fourths
1 cup vanilla sugar
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Heat vanilla sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until cool.

Using a blender, puree the prepared strawberries and kiwi. Strain to remove seeds, if desired. Whisk the cooled syrup, fruit puree, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Freeze the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sorbet will be a soft-serve consistency and may be eaten immediately or placed in an air-tight container in the freezer to further harden.

This sorbet was perfectly refreshing and was a great first recipe to try with my new ice cream maker! I am planning on making some vanilla bean frozen custard in the next day or two. I am so thankful for such a great find. I have really missed baking since it's been so dreadfully hot, and now I have a new toy that allows me to enjoy time in the kitchen without dying from the heat of an oven.