Scoopable Corn and Strawberry Semifreddo

1Strawberry Swirl: Mash strawberries with sugar in a medium-size saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 6 min, until colour has intensified and mixture has reduced to 3/4 cup (175 mL). Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Blitz with an immersion blender until smooth. Scrape into a small bowl and refrigerate uncovered, about 1 hr., until chilled through.

2Semifreddo: Boil a large pot of water. Add corn and cook 3 to 5 min., until tender. Plunge into a bowl of ice water for 1 min., then drain well. Remove kernels from the cob and reserve 1 1/4 cups (310 mL). (If you have extra, save for another use). Transfer kernels to the jar of an immersion blender and blitz until very smooth. Pass mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard pulp. Refrigerate until chilled.

3Remove all but 1 in. (2.5 cm) water from the pot. Return to a boil.

4Whisk egg whites with sugar in a large heatproof bowl to combine. Set on top of the pot, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, whisking constantly, about 2 min., until the temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) (the sugar should be dissolved and the mixture very warm to the touch). Scrape mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whisk on medium speed, 10 min., until mixture is glossy and cooled to room temperature. Remove bowl from machine.

5Whisk cream in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gently fold corn mixture into cooled egg whites just until combined. Gently fold in cream. Scrape one-third of semifreddo-mixture into a 9 x 5-in. (23 x 12 cm) metal pan, smoothing top. Drop one-third of strawberry swirl mixture over top in spoonfuls. Swirl with a wooden skewer. Repeat layering and swirling two more times with remaining semifreddo and strawberry swirl mixtures. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Freeze until firm, at least 8 hrs.

6Scoop corn and strawberry semifreddo into bowls or waffle cones. Top semifreddo with caramel popcorn. Serve immediately.