Best 5 Isle Flottante Barefoot Contessa Floating Island Ina Garten Recipes

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Indulge your sweet tooth with the classic French dessert, Île Flottante, also known as Floating Island. This visually stunning dish features delicate meringue islands floating in a creamy custard sea. Our collection of recipes offers two variations of this delightful treat: the classic recipe and a simplified version for those short on time.

The classic Île Flottante recipe begins with creating the meringue islands. Egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form, then gently folded with sugar and vanilla extract. These meringue clouds are then carefully poached in simmering milk until they are cooked through and fluffy. While the meringues cool, the rich custard is prepared using egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk. This creamy custard forms the base of the dessert, providing a smooth and velvety canvas for the meringue islands to rest upon.

For those seeking a simplified version, we offer a streamlined recipe that uses store-bought meringues. This variation allows you to enjoy the same delicious flavors of Île Flottante without the time-consuming process of making the meringues from scratch. The store-bought meringues are simply floated on top of the homemade custard, creating a quick and easy dessert that is sure to impress.

Whether you choose the classic or simplified recipe, Île Flottante is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its ethereal texture and delicate flavors make it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey to create this timeless French dessert.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ILE FLOTTANTE



Ile Flottante image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     dessert

Time 2h40m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup water, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, divided
1 1/2 cups (5 ounces) sliced almonds
8 extra-large egg whites, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Creme Anglaise, recipe follows
4 extra-large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 3/4 cups scalded milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons Cognac
Seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the caramel, heat 1 1/2 cups of the sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Cook over medium heat until the syrup turns a warm caramel color. Don't stir, just swirl it in the pan. Off the heat, add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon of the vanilla; be careful, the syrup will bubble violently. Stir and cook over high heat until the caramel reaches 230 degrees F (thread stage) on a candy thermometer. Set aside.
  • For the praline, combine the almonds with 1/4 cup of the caramel and spread them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the almonds are lightly browned. Allow to cool at room temperature and then break up in pieces.
  • Lower the oven to 250 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
  • For the meringues, beat the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium speed until frothy. Turn the mixer on high speed and add the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Beat until the egg whites are very stiff and glossy. Whisk in the remaining teaspoon of vanilla. With dessert spoons place 12 mounds of meringue on the parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
  • For serving, pour creme anglaise on the bottom of individual plates. Place a meringue on top of each serving, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with praline, and serve.
  • To make a day or two ahead, leave the caramel and praline at room temperature
  • and refrigerate the creme anglaise. Bake the meringues before guests arrive and assemble the desserts just before serving.
  • Beat the egg yolks and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, or until very thick. Reduce to low speed, and add the cornstarch.
  • With the mixer still on low, slowly pour the hot milk into the eggs. Pour the custard mixture into a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thickened. The custard will coat the spoon like heavy cream. Don't cook it above 180 degrees F or the eggs will scramble!
  • Pour the sauce through a fine strainer, add the vanilla extract, Cognac, and vanilla seeds, if using, and chill.

FLOATING ISLAND



Floating Island image

Makes a big, baked meringue island for 6. Needs to be served with creme anglaise. Inspired from a Julia Child recipe.

Provided by Kasha

Categories     Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 6 island wedges, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

12 egg whites, room temperature
1 pinch salt
4 drops lemon juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 130°, oven rack to bottom third of oven, this is going to rise. Butter and sugar - like your were using flour, but use sugar to coat the sides of the dishes instead-- one or two tall-sided oven dishes, I use 1 soufflé dish and one bread pan usually.
  • Be sure your egg white beating bowls are completely grease free and dry. Separate your eggs carefully, one by one into a separate bowl is best, you must not have even the tiniest bit of yellow in your whites or the whole recipe won't work.
  • Start beating the egg whites at a moderate speed until foamy, beat in the lemon juice and salt and gradually increase speed to fast, you really need an electric beater for this. When the egg white form soft peak, very gradually add the sugar in small amounts, then beat at high for a few minutes til you get stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla. Scoop the mixture into the prepared dish or dishes, you want them about filled, just use a second dish if you have too much. I sometimes use a prepared bread pan for the excess and slide it onto the same oven rack as the soufflé dish.
  • Bake immediately in the preheated oven 35-40 minutes. It will rise and turn golden. A bit too much time is better than too little. Remove and cool at room temperature, it will sink a bit. When cool, cover and refrigerate. May be made up to a couple days in advance and even frozen.
  • Cut into 6 wedges and serve on a pool of cool crème anglaise, which is actually a bit difficult to make at home. If you have any hesitation, buy it pre-made. If you are feeling adventurous, use your leftover egg yolks and any crème anglaise recipe from the web and follow the directions EXACTLY-- it must NEVER boil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 231.9, Fat 0.1, Sodium 135.5, Carbohydrate 50.6, Sugar 50.6, Protein 7.2

ILE FLOTTANTE (FLOATING ISLAND)



Ile Flottante (Floating Island) image

Provided by Craig Claiborne And Pierre Franey

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield 8 or more servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/4 cup currants
1 spongecake loaf (see recipe), preferably made at least one day in advance
1/4 cup kirschwasser or maraschino liqueur
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/4 cup toasted, coarsely chopped almonds
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, cleaned of their dark outer coating
English custard (see recipe) OR
Raspberry sauce (see recipe)

Steps:

  • Place the currants in a small bowl and add warm water to cover. Let stand 30 minutes or longer. Drain and pat dry.
  • Place the spongecake loaf on a flat surface and, holding a sharp knife parallel to the surface, cut the cake lengthwise into four flat slices, each approximately the same thickness.
  • Arrange the slices close together. Sprinkle or brush with the kirschwasser or maraschino liqueur.
  • Heat the apricot preserves in a small saucepan, stirring. When slightly liquid, remove from the heat. Brush the spongecake slices with the preserves.
  • Use half of the currants and sprinkle an equal portion of them over the layers. Sprinkle each layer with an equal amount of the almonds. Reshape the loaf by piling the layers one on top of the other.
  • Whip the cream and when it is partly beaten, sprinkle in the sugar. Continue beating until it is stiff. Coat the reassembled loaf with the whipped cream, top and sides.
  • Sprinkle the remaining currants and the pistachios over the loaf. Set the loaf in a rectangular serving dish, leaving a margin for the sauce. Pour an English custard or a raspberry sauce around the cake and serve sliced.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 452, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 307 milligrams, Sugar 30 grams, TransFat 0 grams

GRANDMA'S FLOATING ISLAND PUDDING



Grandma's Floating Island Pudding image

This simple and elegant dessert came from my Grandmother thirty years ago. My siblings and I loved it as kids and still do. It's sweet but not overly filling. If you scorch it - start over. Keeps well in refrigerator. Can be made day ahead.

Provided by sugarpea

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups milk
4 tablespoons cornstarch
2 egg whites
2 tablespoons sugar
1 pinch salt
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar

Steps:

  • Island: Mix all ingredients thoroughly in saucepan and.
  • cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until well thickened, 8-10 minutes.
  • Pour into four 6oz custard cups and.
  • seal with plastic wrap laid directly on pudding to prevent film from forming.
  • Refrigerate until cooled and set.
  • Topping: Mix all ingredients in saucepan and.
  • cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, 8-10 minutes.
  • Pour into 2 cup measure and.
  • seal with plastic wrap laid directly on pudding to prevent film from forming.
  • Refrigerate until cooled.
  • To Serve: Insert table knife between Island and custard cup and run knife around cup to loosen.
  • Invert each Island on a serving plate and remove custard cup.
  • Pour 1/2 cup topping over Island- topping may be served warmed in microwave or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.6, Fat 8.8, SaturatedFat 4.9, Cholesterol 120, Sodium 160.4, Carbohydrate 49.3, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 31.4, Protein 9

ISLE FLOTTANTE (BAREFOOT CONTESSA) (FLOATING ISLAND) INA GARTEN



Isle Flottante (Barefoot Contessa) (Floating Island) Ina Garten image

I watched Ina make this on T.V. and it looks so pretty and good. I have not made this yet, but when I do I'll make sure to post a photo. The meringues are supposed to be soft.

Provided by cookiedog

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h40m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup water, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
8 extra large egg whites, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
4 extra-large egg yolks
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 3/4 cups scalded milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons cognac
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds of (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • FOR THE CARAMEL: Heat 1 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1/2 cup of the water in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Cook over medium heat until the syrup turns a warm caramel color. Don't stir, just swirl it in the pan.
  • Turn off the heat, add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 teaspoons of the vanilla; be careful, the syrup will bubble violently.
  • Stir and cook over high heat until the caramel reaches 230 degrees F. (thread stage) on a candy thermometer. Set aside.
  • FOR THE PRALINE: Combine the almonds with 1/4 cup of the caramel and spread them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the almonds are lightly browned.
  • Allow to cool at room temperature and then break up in pieces.
  • Lower the oven to 250°F Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
  • FOR THE MERINGUES: Beat the egg whites, salt and cream of tartar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium speed until frothy.
  • Turn the mixer on high speed and add the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Beat until the egg whites are very stiff and glossy.
  • Whisk in the remaining teaspoon of vanilla. With dessert spoons place 12 mounds of meringue on parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
  • FOR THE CREME ANGLAISE:.
  • Beat the egg yolks and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed for 3 minutes, or until very thick. Reduce to low speed, and add the cornstarch.
  • With the mixer still on low, slowly pour the hot milk into the eggs. Pour the custard mixture into a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thickened. The custard will coat the spoon like heavy cream. Don't cook it above 180F or the eggs will scramble!
  • Pour the sauce through a fine strainer, add the vanilla extract, Cognac, and vanilla seeds, if using, and chill.
  • FOR SERVING: Pour creme anglaise on the bottom of individual plates. Place a meringue on top of each serving, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with praline, and serve.
  • To make a day or two ahead, leave the caramel and praline at room temperature and refrigerate the creme anglaise. Bake the meringues before guests arrive and assemble the desserts just before serving.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the eggs, milk, and cream, the better your crème anglaise and floating island batter will be.
  • Don't overcook the eggs: The egg yolks in the crème anglaise should be cooked until they are thick and creamy, but not curdled. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the custard has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Let the crème anglaise cool completely: The crème anglaise needs to be completely cool before you pour it over the floating island batter. Otherwise, the hot custard will cook the eggs in the batter and you'll end up with a scrambled mess.
  • Chill the floating island batter before cooking: Chilling the batter helps the egg whites to set more quickly, resulting in a lighter and airier floating island.
  • Don't overcook the floating island batter: The floating island batter should be cooked until it is just set. If you overcook it, it will become tough and rubbery.
  • Serve the floating island immediately: The floating island is best served immediately after it is made. The meringues will start to deflate after a while, so don't let it sit around for too long.

Conclusion:

Ina Garten's floating island recipe is a classic dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its light and airy texture and rich, creamy custard, it's the perfect way to end a special meal. If you're looking for a delicious and elegant dessert that is sure to please everyone, this is the recipe for you.

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