As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the cliffs and the sparkling Mediterranean below, I found myself winding along the narrow roads of southern Italy. The air was filled with the sweet scent of lemons, a fragrance that danced through the open windows of our little Fiat as we navigated the twists and turns carved into the cliff sides. It was a journey as enchanting as the destination.

Southern Italy has a magical way of infusing lemons into every aspect of life, from limoncello to seafood marinades. And as we approached our final destination, a quaint restaurant perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, I could already sense that lemons would play a starring role in the grand finale of our meal.

The Mediterranean evening unfolded before us—a canvas painted with hues of orange, pink, and lavender. The soft breeze carried the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below, creating a symphony that accompanied the anticipation of dessert.

As we settled into our seats, the waiter presented us with a menu that boasted a variety of local delights. But my eyes were immediately drawn to a special mention: “Freshly Made Lemon Zest Gelato.” My taste buds tingled with excitement, and I couldn’t resist ordering it.

The gelato arrived, a creamy masterpiece adorned with curls of lemon zest that glistened in the soft moonlight. I took my first spoonful, and the flavors danced on my palate—a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the brightness of fresh lemon zest cutting through the richness of the gelato.

The chef had masterfully captured the essence of southern Italy in that frozen delight. I closed my eyes, savoring each bite as the Mediterranean breeze caressed my face. The gelato was a celebration of the land—a tribute to the lemon trees that adorned the cliffs, the sea that stretched endlessly before us, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the Italian coast.

Inspired by that unforgettable experience, I decided to bring a piece of southern Italy home with me. Here’s a simple recipe for Italian Lemon Zest Gelato.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• Zest of 3 lemons
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and half of the sugar over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the remaining sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
• Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
• Return the combined mixture to the saucepan.
• Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Be patient; this step may take around 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice.
• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Once chilled, churn the custard in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Transfer the gelato to a lidded container and freeze for a few hours until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve the lemon zest gelato in bowls or cones, garnished with a sprinkle of additional lemon zest for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy it on a sunny day, reminiscing about the winding roads, lemon-scented air, and the mesmerizing views of the Italian coast. Buon appetito!