Some people remember their family histories through food. I know that my family is one of those. Granny’s Sugar Cookies.Aunt Patty’s 10 O’Clock Rolls Aunt Lena’s Jello Salad.
And then there was Mom’s Lemon Foof. OK, it’s really called Lemon Mousse, but that wasn’t near as funny. Born in 1940, my mom was of the box generation: if it was new, modern and came out of a box, she made it and fed it to us. Except for baked goods and Lemon Foof. Then, only the best ingredients and starting from scratch would do. Mom did use Dream Whip as the original recipe called for it, though I use real whipping cream these days.
If you love lemon, you’ll adore Lemon Foof. Mom always served it in clear glass, so we could see the lovely color.
It’s easy, it’s yummy, and a perfect, light ending for Easter dinner. Generally, Mom only made it in the spring and summer. It’s a great dessert for warmer weather.
Lemon Mousse
Ingredients:
Zest of 1 lemon (reserve a few pinches for decoration)
½ cup lemon juice
½ cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1 pint whipping cream (or 12 ounce tub Dream Whip)
Equipment:
2 small glass or ceramic bowls
Medium-sized glass or ceramic bowl
Small heavy non-stick saucepan
Directions:
Zest one lemon into small bowl, using only the bright yellow skin, avoiding the white pith, as it is bitter. Set aside.
Juice the lemon into a one-half cup liquid measure. If need be, make the full half-cup of lemon juice with more fresh-squeezed lemons. (You can use one of the juice from concentrates, but I prefer the fresh-squeezed.)
Separate the three egg yolks from the whites, adding each yolk directly to the cold saucepan. (Save the whites to use later.)
Add the zest, juice, and ½ cup sugar to the yolks and stir with whisk until blended.
Place saucepan on stove over medium heat. Stir constantly until ingredients are well mixed and flow off the whisk in thick, custard-like ribbons. The mixture should resemble a light pudding in consistency. Remove from heat immediately, and transfer to a medium sized glass or ceramic bowl to cool.
While the egg and lemon mixture cools, whip cream, which should nearly double in volume. Refrigerate.
When the egg and lemon mixture are at room temperature, combine with the refrigerated whipping cream. If you like a strong lemon flavor, use less whipped cream to make the mousse; if you prefer something milder, use more. Fold cream gently into egg mixture and mix completely.
Once mixed, fill flutes, small parfaits or similar glasses. Top with remaining cream and lemon zest. Serves 4.
This dessert can be made up to 24 hours in advance, as a mousse. The egg and lemon mixture only can be made up to 48 hours ahead. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper directly on the mixture to prevent skin from forming. Avoid using aluminum or steel bowls or utensils when making the egg and lemon mixture as the acid in the lemon juice and zest can pick up an off taste from them.
