- Heat the Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent the cream from scorching.
- Add Lemon: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. The acid from the lemons will cause the cream to thicken and set.
- Cool the Mixture: Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
3. Setting the Posset:
- Strain: For a smooth posset, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or a bowl, discarding the zest.
- Pour into Serving Dishes: Divide the mixture evenly among six small serving glasses or ramekins.
- Chill: Cover the glasses or ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. The posset will firm up as it chills.
4. Serving:
- Garnish: Just before serving, garnish each posset with fresh berries and mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Lemon Posset chilled, and enjoy its creamy, tangy delight.
Tips for Success:
- Cream: Use heavy cream with a high fat content for the best texture. Lower fat creams may not set properly.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, you can add a bit more zest to the mixture before straining.
- Straining: Straining the mixture ensures a silky smooth texture, but if you prefer a more rustic posset, you can skip this step and leave the zest in.
- Presentation: Lemon Posset can be served in a variety of dishes, from elegant glassware to rustic ramekins. Choose what best suits your style and occasion.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is great for entertaining because it can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve.
Variations:
- Lemon and Lime Posset: Replace half of the lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy twist.
- Lavender Lemon Posset: Infuse the cream with a few sprigs of fresh lavender during the heating process for a floral note. Remove the lavender before adding the lemon juice.
- Berry Compote Topping: Top the posset with a spoonful of homemade berry compote for added sweetness and texture.
Conclusion:
Lemon Posset is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with sophistication. Its creamy texture and zesty flavor make it a refreshing end to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this recipe for Lemon Posset will surely impress with its ease of preparation and delightful taste. Enjoy crafting and savoring this classic British dessert!