Lemon cream

Lemon Cream: a citrus delight that enchants the senses

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

The history of lemon cream is as fascinating as its taste. This delicacy, with a creamy texture and refreshing flavor, has been popularized in various cultures as a way to bring flavor and freshness to desserts. Perfect as a filling for cakes, tarts, or just as a sauce for cookies, lemon cream is a versatile ingredient that brings a smile to the faces of those who taste it.

Ingredients:
- Juice from 2 lemons (approximately 100 ml)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup of sugar (200 g)
- Zest from 2 lemons (unprocessed, for an intense flavor)
- 55 g unsalted butter (preferably at room temperature)

Necessary utensils:
- Double boiler (or a heat-resistant bowl)
- Whisk or mixer
- Spoon
- Baking sheet
- Oven tray
- Grater or zester for lemon zest
- Fine sieve (optional)

Step by step for lemon cream:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by squeezing the juice from the two lemons. Make sure no seeds remain in the juice to avoid an unpleasant taste. Carefully zest the lemon, taking care not to include the white part, which can be bitter.

2. Combine the ingredients: In the double boiler, add the lemon juice, egg yolks, sugar, and lemon zest. Use the whisk or mixer to mix the ingredients well until a smooth and fluffy mixture forms.

3. Heating the mixture: Place the bowl over low heat. It is essential to stir constantly to prevent sticking or lumps from forming. Cook the mixture until, if you insert a spoon, the bottom glazes. This step can take between 10 and 15 minutes, so be patient!

4. Adding the butter: Once the cream begins to thicken, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Incorporate the butter in small pieces, stirring vigorously after each addition. This step will give the cream a velvety texture and rich flavor.

5. Cooling the cream: After incorporating all the butter, transfer the cream to a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring it is in direct contact with the surface of the cream to prevent a crust from forming. Allow the cream to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least an hour.

About serving:
Lemon cream can be served alongside champagne cookies or as a filling for cakes. A delicious combination is to serve it with "lemon plates" that you can easily prepare and will add a crunchy note.

Lemon plates:
1. Mix 100 g of powdered sugar, 30 ml of lemon juice, 30 g of butter, and 60 g of flour.
2. Obtain a thinner paste, then on a baking sheet, form small spoonfuls that you flatten slightly.
3. Bake at 180°C for 5 minutes, then, while still hot, place them on a cylinder or a round object to shape them.

Nutritional information:
Each serving of lemon cream contains approximately 250 calories, being a sweet option but with a relatively high sugar content. However, lemons are an excellent source of vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system and having antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?
It is not recommended, as the cream will have a different texture and will not thicken as well. The yolks are essential for creaminess.

- How can I store lemon cream?
This cream can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

- What can I do if the cream doesn’t thicken?
If you cooked the cream over too high heat, it may not thicken properly. You can try reheating it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor or replace some of the lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter note. You can also turn lemon cream into mousse by adding some beaten egg whites at the end.

Serving suggestion:
I warmly recommend serving lemon cream with a berry sauce, which will add a note of acidity and a color contrast that will impress at any table.

Lemon cream is a simple yet extremely versatile recipe that can transform any ordinary dessert into a gourmet experience. Don't hesitate to try it and share the joy of this citrus delight with your loved ones!