## James Martin’s Artic Roll Recipe: A Nostalgic Treat with a Modern Twist
The Artic Roll, a beloved British dessert, has been delighting taste buds since its invention in Eastbourne, Sussex in the 1950s. This classic combination of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and sponge cake evokes a sense of nostalgia and pure indulgence. While the traditional recipe calls for raspberry sauce, renowned chef James Martin adds his signature touch with a homemade strawberry jam, enhancing the flavor profile with a fresh, fruity twist.
This recipe requires some preparation time, especially for the ice cream, but the result is a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you opt for store-bought jam or whip up your own, James Martin’s Artic Roll is a simple yet satisfying treat that captures the essence of a classic British dessert.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own Artic Roll, following James Martin’s recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Sponge:
* 750ml Vanilla Ice Cream, Softened
* Four Eggs
* 110g Caster Sugar, Plus Extra to Dust
* 110g Self-Raising Flour
For the Strawberry Jam (If Making):
* 150g Caster Sugar
* Half a Lemon, Zest and Juice
* 350g Strawberries, Roughly Chopped
Method:
For the Sponge:
1. Beat the softened vanilla ice cream until smooth. Spread it onto a sheet of baking parchment and carefully roll it into a sausage shape, approximately 5cm in diameter and 30cm long. Freeze the ice cream sausage for three to four hours until solid.
2. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas five). Line a 23x33cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.
3. Whisk together the eggs and caster sugar in a bowl until light, fluffy, and thickened. Gently fold in the sifted flour until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake the sponge for 10-12 minutes, or until it feels firm to the touch.
6. Dust a sheet of baking parchment (slightly larger than the tray) with caster sugar. Carefully turn the baked sponge onto the prepared parchment. Peel off the parchment from the bottom of the sponge and set it aside to cool slightly.
For the Strawberry Jam (If Making):
1. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the caster sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and slightly thickens.
2. Add the roughly chopped strawberries to the pan, mix well, and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until the jam thickens.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the jam to cool.
To Assemble the Artic Roll:
1. Spread the cooled strawberry jam evenly over the cooled sponge, leaving a 2cm gap around the edge.
2. Carefully place the frozen ice cream sausage along the long side of the sponge.
3. Using the parchment paper underneath, gently roll up the sponge, encasing the ice cream inside.
4. Roll the sponge off the parchment paper and cut into slices to serve. Enjoy your homemade Artic Roll!
Tips:
* For a more intense strawberry flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries for the jam.
* If you don’t have time to make the jam, you can easily substitute it with your favorite store-bought strawberry jam.
* Feel free to experiment with other flavors, such as raspberry or blackberry jam, to create your own unique Artic Roll variation.
This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to recreate the classic Artic Roll in your own kitchen, adding your own personal touch to this timeless treat. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a nostalgic culinary journey with James Martin’s Artic Roll recipe.