A popular summer treat that is distinctly French is Sorbet. Sorbet is different from ice cream and sherbet in that it doesn’t contain any milk or cream; it is generally made of fruit juice or fruit puree and a little sweetener when necessary. It can also be made from chocolate or wine. Sorbet is also softer than ice cream or sherbet, since it often contains liqueur or other alcohol, which prevents it from freezing solid.

On a recent visit to Paris, I discovered a fabulous open market near the Eiffel Tower called Rue Cler. It was here at Rue Cler that I tasted my first real French Sorbet. I ordered a scoop of Cassis Sorbet, which was served in a sugar cone, and was absolutely blown away! This is not the kind of indulgence that can be purchased in the freezer section of the grocery store; it must be homemade. After experimenting, I found that an excellent version can be quickly and easily made using the automatic ice cream machine. Frozen berries cool down the sugar mixture, so there’s no advance chilling involved. I also like to use my food mill to save time; alternatively you can push the fruit through a strainer.

Cassis (prounounced [kah-SEES]) is the French word referring to blackcurrants, which are almost impossible to find in the US, except in the liqueur called Crème de Cassis. Blackcurrants are intensely flavored, and the exact flavor cannot be duplicated with other berries. However, I have found that frozen berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and/or marionberries – not the ones with strawberries) in the grocery store make an acceptable substitute.

You’ll be amazed at how four simple ingredients (fat free ingredients, by the way) can come together so quickly to make an incredible and refreshing summer treat. Aimez!

Easy Cassis & Berry Sorbet

6 Servings

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
4 cups frozen berries, (3 berry blend without strawberries)
1/4 cup Creme de Cassis

1. Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a large saucepan.


2. Stir until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved.


3. Turn off the heat and add the frozen berries.


4. Stir them until they have cooled off the sugar mixture.


5. Add the Creme de Cassis.


6. Run the mixture through a food mill (easiest) or through a fine strainer.


7. Pour the mixture into the bowl of an automatic ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 79 Calories from Fat 0
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 0% Protein 0% Carb. 100%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 0 mg
Total Carbohydrate 20 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 17 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 0%


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