Are you looking for a deliciously easy dessert that's also impressive? Look no further than the creamy lemon posset! This delightful dessert, a classic British treat, requires minimal ingredients and effort yet delivers a stunningly smooth, silky texture and a burst of refreshing lemon flavor. It's the perfect ending to a meal, a sophisticated treat for guests, or a simple yet elegant dessert for a quiet night in. This recipe is perfect for those exploring easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas, and is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best. Get ready to discover one of the best recipes that you'll want to make again and again!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Avoid boiling the cream; you simply want the sugar to melt smoothly.
Step 2: Infusing Lemon Flavor
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). The zest will add a wonderful aromatic dimension to your posset. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Creating the Gel
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps or zest particles. This step ensures a perfectly smooth texture.
Step 4: Setting the Posset
Pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the posset to set completely. The lemon juice helps to create the delightful gel-like consistency.
Step 5: Serving Your Delicious Creation
Once set, your creamy lemon posset is ready to be enjoyed! You can garnish it with fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Posset:
- Use fresh lemons: The quality of your lemons will significantly impact the flavor of your posset. Freshly squeezed juice is always best.
- Don't boil the cream: Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle, resulting in a less smooth texture. Keep the heat low and gentle.
- Strain for smoothness: Straining the mixture ensures a perfectly smooth and luxurious posset, free from any unsightly bits.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the posset to chill completely is essential for achieving the desired gel-like consistency.
Delicious Variations:
- Raspberry Posset: Substitute raspberry juice and puree for the lemon juice, and add a handful of fresh raspberries to each serving.
- Orange Posset: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
- Vanilla Posset: Omit the lemon juice and zest, and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a creamy vanilla dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 22g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 14g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 60mg
- Protein: Approximately 2g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
- Sugar: Approximately 8g
This creamy lemon posset is a simple yet impressive dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Its refreshing taste and silky texture will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!