My calories are sacred to me so I want the biggest bang for my buck when in search of a delicious confection. But I’m also a government employee on the go so I need a cheat day dessert that doesn’t require much time or money. This often leads one toward the simple classics. The trade off is that they often don’t provide much complexity or luxurious feel. I crave the best of both worlds and often won’t settle for less.
This led me to a British classic that has made something of a renaissance in recent years, the posset. Think custard crossed with curd, creamy with substance backed by a tart kick. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? You haven’t even heard the best part yet. It takes only three ingredients.
High heat is the key to unlocking the door that lies between cream and posset to create something magical. Boiling breaks down the fats in the cream much in the same manner as good vinaigrette does while shaking it in a mason jar forming a thicker texture. One could call it a sweet emulsion.
A few after the fire critiques: This is a rich tasting dessert and a little goes a long. If you should feel so inclined to top it like me blueberries and raspberries at the top of the list. I also fancy toasted coconut that provides a textural relief from all that custard. This is also a fantastic short cut for anything asking for a classic lemon curd (AKA- Lemon Tart). In the unlikely event of your not eating them right away, wrap in plastic and they can last a few days in the fridge.
Annie Petito inspired this recipe
Fuel
2 Cups Heavy Cream
⅔ Cup Sugar
3 Lemons/6 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp. Lemon Zest
*½ tsp. salt (optional but recommended)
Tools
Medium Saucepan
Fine Mesh Strainer
Large Bowl
Zester
2-Cup Liquid Measuring Container
Ramekins
Tactics
Add heavy cream, sugar and lemon zest to medium saucepan over medium heat and stir to combine. Bring to a boil stirring frequently until reduced to 2 cups. Don’t be afraid to take it off of the heat to avoid boiling over as this can take 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and add 6 Tbsp. lemon juice and salt and stir to combine. Let cool for 15-20 minutes or until a skin forms on top. Strain the mixture through the fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Divide into 6 ramekins or equal sized containers (think cereal bowls) and set in fridge uncovered for 3 hours. When ready to serve, let sit out for 10 minutes then top with fruit or nuts. Indulge!