RecipeDessertItalian CuisineSous-Chef45 Min Prep

MKM Cafe's Single Scoop Gelato: A From-Scratch Masterclass

At MKM Cafe in Mississauga, gelato isn't just dessert; it's an experience.

It's the culmination of hours spent sourcing the finest ingredients, the whisper of the ice cream machine as it transforms simple cream into something extraordinary, and the smiles on our customers' faces as they take that first, blissful bite.

We believe that true gelato can only be born from patience and passion.

That's why we make every single component from scratch, and why we're sharing those secrets with you today.

Forget the store-bought shortcuts – we're diving deep into the heart of real gelato, the kind that transports you to a sun-drenched Italian piazza with every spoonful.

We'll start with the custard base, the soul of our gelato, a creamy, rich foundation built on the freshest milk and eggs.

Then, we'll move onto the flavor infusions. Forget extracts!

We're using real ingredients to create vibrant, authentic flavors.

Think hand-picked berries, roasted nuts, and the darkest, most decadent chocolate.

Making gelato from scratch is a labor of love, a commitment to quality that we wholeheartedly embrace at MKM Cafe.

It's about more than just following a recipe; it's about understanding the science of frozen desserts, the delicate balance of sugar and fat, and the art of coaxing the most flavor from your ingredients.

So, grab your apron, sharpen your senses, and prepare to embark on a gelato-making journey like no other.

We promise, the results will be worth every ounce of effort. After all, isn’t life too short for mediocre gelato?

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

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Ingredients

6 items
1Servings

Total Time

1h 35m

1

Strawberry Infusion

45 min
Ingredients
  • 100 g Fresh Strawberries
  • 25 g Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until the strawberries have released their juices and become soft.

  2. 2

    Transfer the strawberry mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. We're after that smooth texture, you see.

Dark Chocolate Infusion

15 min
Ingredients
  • 75 g Dark Chocolate
  • 50 ml Heavy Cream
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), combine the chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.

Pistachio Infusion

20 min
Ingredients
  • 50 g Pistachios
  • 0.25 tsp Almond Extract
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a food processor, grind the roasted pistachios until they form a fine powder. Be careful not to over-process, or they will release their oils and turn into a paste.

  2. 2

    Stir in the almond extract. This enhances the pistachio flavor. Trust us.

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Custard Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Reduce heat to low. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light and frothy. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon. Be patient! It should reach about 170°F (77°C). Remove from heat and immediately strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any lumps or cooked egg particles.

Pro Tip

"Always strain your custard base, no matter how smooth it seems. It's the key to a silky-smooth gelato."

02

Incorporate Flavor Infusion

Gently whisk in your chosen flavor infusion (see sub-recipes). Make sure it's fully incorporatedincorporatedFully mixed in so that no specific ingredient stands out. to ensure even distribution of flavor.

03

Chill the Base

Cover the custard base with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the base to fully chill.

Pro Tip

"Overnight chilling is non-negotiable. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor and texture."

04

Churn the Gelato

Pour the chilled gelato base into your ice cream machine. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The gelato is ready when it has a soft, creamy consistency.

05

Harden the Gelato

Transfer the churned gelato to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to harden further. This will give it a more scoopable consistency.

06

Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop the hardened gelato into a chilled bowl or cone. Garnish with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if desired. Savor every spoonful of your homemade masterpiece!

Try These Variations

Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl

Elevate your gelato with a rich chocolate hazelnut swirl. Perfect for those who crave a decadent treat.

  • Add 50g of homemade chocolate hazelnut spread to the gelato base before churning.
  • Swirl the spread gently with a spoon to create a marbled effect.

Lemon Basil Infusion

A refreshing and herbaceous twist on classic gelato. The bright citrus notes and subtle basil aroma create a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.

  • Infuse the milk with 10 fresh basil leaves for 30 minutes before making the custard base.
  • Add the zest of one lemon to the gelato base before churning.
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1Always use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The better your ingredients, the better your gelato will be.

2Don't overchurn the gelato. Overchurning will result in a grainy texture. Aim for a soft, creamy consistency.

3Chill your gelato base thoroughly before churning. This will help ensure a smooth and even freeze.

4Our kitchen trick: add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.

Pitfalls

1Forgetting to temper the eggs properly. This can result in scrambled eggs in your gelato base. Watch the temperature carefully!

2Overfilling the ice cream machine. This can cause the gelato to freeze unevenly and create a messy overflow. Follow your machine's instructions carefully.

3Not chilling the gelato base for long enough: the base needs time for the flavours to fully meld.

Equipment Needed

Ice cream machineSaucepanWhiskThermometerMeasuring cups and spoons

Origin Story

Gelato's origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, but it wasn't until the Renaissance that it evolved into the frozen treat we know and love today. The Medici family of Florence were renowned patrons of the arts and culinary innovation, and their chefs are credited with perfecting the art of gelato making.

Did you know?

Did you know that gelato has less fat than traditional ice cream, resulting in a denser, more flavorful experience?

Perfect Pairings

  • Espresso
  • Vin Santo
  • Fresh fruit

Inspired by Port Credit

This recipe captures the essence of MKM Cafe in Mississauga. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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