Description
Silky lemon custard pots highlight Mediterranean freshness with delicate creamy texture. Delightful dessert combines zesty citrus notes and smooth custard, inviting diners to savor pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 cups half & half (or 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream)
- 2 lemon zest
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Calibrate oven to 325°F (163°C) and position rack in the center for even heat distribution.
- Mixing Base: Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract in a heatproof bowl until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy consistency with silky smooth texture.
- Infusing Cream: Gently warm half-and-half, honey, and lemon zest in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until honey dissolves and aromatics blend harmoniously.
- Tempering Process: Gradually incorporate warm cream into egg mixture, stirring continuously to prevent curdling and maintain a luxurious, velvety texture.
- Ramekin Preparation: Position ramekins within a larger baking pan, ensuring even spacing for consistent heat circulation.
- Water Bath Technique: Pour hot water into the outer pan, reaching halfway up the ramekin sides to create a gentle, moist cooking environment.
- Baking Cycle: Transfer pan to oven and bake 40-45 minutes, monitoring until custards set with a delicate, subtle jiggle at the center.
- Cooling Protocol: Remove ramekins from water bath and allow to rest at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum two hours to achieve optimal chilled consistency.
Notes
Prevent Curdling: Temper eggs slowly by adding warm cream gradually, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling and maintain a silky smooth texture.
Precise Water Bath: Use hot (not boiling) water that reaches exactly halfway up ramekin sides for even, gentle heat distribution and perfect custard consistency.
Doneness Check: Look for a center that barely trembles when gently nudged – this indicates the custard is perfectly set but still delicately creamy.
Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate for minimum two hours to develop firm texture and allow flavors to fully meld, enhancing the lemon and honey notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg