StCirq: Thakns very much for posting the limoncello cheesecake recipe! I'll try it over the holidays and let you know how it came out.

Cigalechanta: Thanks also for posting the limoncello recipe.

I recall, many years ago, using approximately the same recipe but using coffee instead of lemon. Came out like a kahlua.

Limoncello can be purchased at Beverages & More. The one that Koshka brought to the SF GTG was a Pallini - exquisite!

Merry Christmas, all!

Dear Scarlett--I had a Pear liquer during Thanksgiving! I saw this lovely bottle in the discount bin of my local supermarket. All that was on the bottle was "Poire". Tried it, all the guests (except for my hubby, whose not a fan of sweet drinks) raved. Still have enough for Christmas toasts! Merry Christmas to all!

Thanks for the recipes. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!!! ((b))

MzPossum, isn't it tasty? Although I wish this had been bought at discount..I got it in the same section in the wine store that you buy Chateau Yquem..(sp)
I will look for it again at the market:)

It really feels like Christmas around here, with all of us talking food and drink! Thanks for the recipe, StCirq; just checked my bottle and I can swing it. I think I will follow Julia Childs' philosophy of ...one for the dish, one for the cook...

That's fine, I don't know a thing about copyright rules.

I do know that your circle must be alot more inventive recipe-wise than mine is. We are still passing around a delicious potato cassarole dishe from Cosmo printed years ago and and some really good ones involving adding diff. ingredients to cake mixes that was clipped from a recipe book in the 1970's.

When I discovered Limoncello I started splashing it in everything that called for lemon. This included Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Bars and over ice cream. Then I substituted it for anything that called for a liquor but didn't have choc.
It's great stuff! Be brave and creative with it.
Holiday Blessings to All,
McGeezer

/2 cup sugar (A GRANITA RECIPE)
2 cups water
1/2 cup Limoncello
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream
3/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Lemon zest curls

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water; bring to a simmer. Simmer 1 to 2 minutes or just until sugar dissolves and turns clear.

Remove from heat and let mixture cool to room temperature. Stir in the limoncello and lemon juice; pour mixture into a 9-inch square baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze approximately 45 minutes or until icy at edge of pan. Whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and freeze again until icy at edge of pan and overall texture is slushy, about 45 minutes. Whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and return to freezer and freeze about 3 hours or until frozen solid. Remove from freezer.

Using a fork, scrape granita down length of pan, forming icy flakes. Return to freezer for at least 1 hour. Can be made 1 day ahead. When served, the granita should look like a fluffy pile of dry brown crystals.

In a medium bowl, whip whipping cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Cover and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

To serve, scoop flaked granita into tall goblets or parfait glasses, filling halfway. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with lemon zest curls for garnish. Serve immediately with iced tea spoons.

Makes 6 servings.

Hmmm...I'm making lemon bars today...maybe I'll toss in what's left in the limoncello bottle (not much).

For those interested in branching out a bit, I went to my local Italian liquor store here in Boston and the Sorrentine shop that makes the limoncello I prefer (and also the mandarinetto, clear and creamy) is now putting out a raspberry version, which I have wholeheartedly purchased and will agree to test for you all over the Christmas holiday. I will report back after Christmas eve. I wasn't a fan of the orange versions myself, but I will certainly give raspberry anything a try! ;-)

Cool, StCirq!! Thanks for the modified recipe!

Located some Limoncello at a state liquor store here in town (Cincy - Northland Blvd for all you Cincinnatians)and bought some for a camping trip with friends at Halloween. Wonderful, wonderful stuff; very potent. One of our crew was down for the count in the wee hours. As it tastes like a very strong, tartish lemonade (straight up over ice) some people don't take it very seriously. Anyway, the lovely stuff didn't last past 2 days.

But now I know where to get it & I think I'll make this recipe after the New Year!

~~Merci beaucoup & Joyeux Noel~~

amyb, what is the brand? That stuff sounds great, and you can have all the raspberry if I can have all the orange.

I must confess that whatever limoncello I am drinking at the time tastes like the best I've ever had. In other words, I haven't yet met a limoncello I didn't like. Has anyone really done a taste test and decided there's a brand that is far superior to the rest?

It's Sogno di Sorrento brand, and the new stuff is called "Crema Rasbarello". I'd be curious to know if this is really available in Italy...the mandarello and limoncello I can see since they are local fruit products in Sorrento, but raspberries? The clerk at the store said it just started being imported here on Dec. 1!

Thanks. It will be my mission to try it and report back. I know, it's a tough job but someone has to do it. :-D

Well, Marilyn, you have all MY support! ;)

Raspberry is lampone in Italian. It does grow in Italy, and there is a vast range of liqueurs made in Italy flavored with all kinds of nuts and citrus and non-citrus fruits and herbs. I never heard of the word "rasbarello" in Italian. Maybe it's an uncommon name for the berry that I just don't happen to know, but if not, it may be a made-up name for the English-speaking market.

Whatis Limoncelo, italian lemonade? Is it alcoholic? I almost got a taste yesterday. My hairdresser was handing it to all her customers. People seemed to be giggling and having a high old time, but I was on my way to get the kids so had to take a pass. I've never seen such a bunch of happy clients in a salon. Did I miss something special?

FrederichH, no wonder everyone was happy! Is it alcoholic?? Straight off the label of my bottle of Il Limoncello di Sorrento, this notation: Alcohol 32% Delcious stuff and it packs a wallop!

StCirq--
Thank you! I love limoncello, and your post made me rush to the nearest Borders and pick up the issue. I adore this magazine! The recipes seem very "doable" and I am vicariously living my fantasy Italian life as I turn the pages. My subscription card went out in the mail today, so thank you for the Christmas gift!

My limoncello cheesecake is in the oven as I write! We even managed to get the decorative topping thing to look like the one in the magazine, though it wasn't easy using a ziplock sandwich bag with a tiny hole cut it one corner. The batter tasted absolutely divine - I can't wait to try it!