Sparkling lemon & amaretti ice

Method

• step 1

  Line the base and sides of a 20cm cake tin with a round and two or three strips of plastic cut from two A4 clear plastic folders. Crush the amaretti biscuits fairly finely and mix into the melted butter, stirring well. Press into the base of the tin, smoothing with the back of a metal spoon.

• step 2

  Tip the cheese into a large bowl, beat briefly to soften, then beat in the sugar, lemon zest and juice. Whip the cream until it just holds its shape, then fold into the mixture.

• step 3

  Pour the lemon mixture into the tin and smooth the top. Freeze for 4 hours. For the topping, slice the lemons as thinly as possible. Put in a pan, cover with water and bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain well.

• step 4

  Tip the sugar into a small pan and add 3 tbsp water. Heat gently to melt the sugar, then add the lemon slices, increase the heat and cook until the lemons are caramelised (about 4-5 minutes). Cool to room temperature, then arrange in overlapping circles over the top. Drizzle over any syrup, then return to the freezer. (Can be frozen for up to 2 months.)

• step 5

  Remove the dessert from the freezer 2-3 hours before serving, peel off the plastic and set on a serving plate. (Timing is not too critical, as it won’t collapse, just become softer.) Tuck it away in the fridge until you are ready to serve.