Foodie Blogroll

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Lemon Curd Parfait with Ginger Whipped Cream

For years I have been making this lemon cream pie, mostly because I get too many lemons off my tree at one time I thought how perfect to make a lemon pie each year. Now you know I am very fussy when it comes to sweets, and I do not like meringue, so I had to find one that didn't have it. The recipe I found is a lemon cream pie, made with lemon curd which is quite sweet, but then with whipped cream folded in it cuts the so so sweetness some.

You have to let it set in the fridge for at least three hours and it can stay over night. The first one I made I used a graham cracker crust I like that flavor better than the cookie crust...it didn't set up all the way, but it sure did taste good! In the reviews some users added a thickener, and some stated if you waited long enough it should set up....but when I spotted these cute little cordial/dessert cups...

...I thought (bing! - that is supposed to be a light bulb going off) what about a layered dessert in a cup, like a parfait! This is kind of like a deconstructed lemon cream pie... you take some of the lemon curd, then the graham cracker crumbs (mixed with sugar and melted butter then toasted) whipped cream, all in layers...adding dome fresh strawberries for color. I wanted to use raspberries, but couldn't find any fresh ones, so strawberries it is. Either one would work well here, gives it that sweet-tartness that I love.


Lemon Curd somewhat adapted from Lemon Cream Pie recipe Epicurious June 2002

Ingredients:
6 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

- Combine the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest in a heavy medium-size saucepan and whisk the mixture until it is smooth. Add the lemon juice and butter and cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it is thickened, 7 to 9 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to come to a boil.

- Pour the lemon curd through a fine mesh strainer into a glass bowl. Cover the surface with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the lemon curd until it is cold and thick, at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.

For the whipped cream I decided to add a little ginger to it instead of some vanilla, and I used it to layer with the lemon curd instead of folding it in with the curd.

Ginger Whipped Cream
ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon powdered ginger

- In a medium-size mixing bowl using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and ginger until soft peaks form. You can make it plain if you opt for that!

Graham Cracker Crumb Crust
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 8 graham crackers)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 stick or 1/4 cup butter, melted

Mix all the ingredients and then lightly toasted in a skillet on low heat, you could do it in the oven too if you like. It came out crunchy and a nice flavor added to the dessert. Use a little sprinkled on top for garnish.


But, the first one I made I used some of my homemade granola, and no fruit. Again this was a big hit, the sweet - tart thing still going on and flavors and are so good. This is really a fun dessert to play with.

34 comments:

  1. I love lemon curd Lyndsey and this parfait look amazing!!

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    1. Thanks Gloria! I thought of you when I wanted to use raspberries!

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  2. I adore lemon and this - with its gingerbread happiness makes me happy!

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  3. How positively delectable! How did you know exactly what I've been craving?! I love the ginger whip cream!

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  4. Love the combination of lemon and ginger throughout. There's something about this that is singing spring to me.

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    1. Thanks Claudia, lemon and ginger seem to just go so well together.

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  5. Dear Lyndsey, Lemon and ginger is a perfect combo. A very tempting dessert indeed. Blessings my dear. Catherine xo

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  6. Wow, sound perfect and nice..love to have this for dessert after dinner.

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    1. Thanks Sonia, it was nice to eat after dinner.

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  7. Good heaven, these look incredibly luscious. I wanna fly over to join U. haha... Hey, actually what a coincidence. Yesterday I made parfait for my kids too but I love yours better. Slurppppp....
    Have a good day, dear. ((hugs))
    Will write later!
    Cheers
    Kristy

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    1. When can I pick you up from the airport? I'll be there!! :D

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  8. Oh wow, this is one great looking dessert! I've never tried making desserts like this but am now encouraged to.

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    1. So nice to hear from you! I usually don't make desserts like this either, but I am happy with it! Hope you try it.

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  9. This is picture perfect and I can almost taste the creamy lemon good; gotta save this one.
    Rita

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  10. These look so great! And the spoons are so adorable and colorful!

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  11. wow! these look delicious! my mouth is watering just reading about them. I think I'll stop by - what time are you serving dessert? :)

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  12. This might just be the parfait of my dreams! love teh lemon-ginger combo

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  13. I like the combination of lemon curd and ginger...looks so pretty :)
    Hope you are having a great week Lyndsey!

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  14. Lyndsey-you have no idea how much I adore lemond curd?...I was trying to find my recipe for it which is almost identical to yours, now I can make the parfaits. The last time when I made the lemon curd, I used it for English trifle!
    These individual parfait cups are so pretty, and I love also that you used some of your granola in the crumble, as well!
    Thanks for sharing your amazing recipe, and lovely photos:DDD

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  15. I love this and have to try it even if I don't have my own lemon trees. Lucky you, Lyndsey! I'm drooling about now and the parfait has to be so creamy and delicious with the ginger and graham crackers. I agree with the meringue thing! I'm wondering, do you think lemon trees would grow in the snow in Northern Illinois? teehee!

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  16. wow...these look absolutely delicious dear...bookmarked !

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  17. I know I'll enjoy this parfait as I love lemon curd. So nice to have them in individual dessert cups. It's great that you have so many fruit trees. Nothing like walking out to the backyard and harvesting your own fruits, veges, and herbs.

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  18. Well, at least when you get lots of lemons, you make lemon pie. :)

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  19. Hi Lyndsey! I'm so envious that you get lemons from your tree! Your parfaits look so good and I especially love the ginger whipped cream! Hmmm probably need two for myself. =P

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  20. Really lovely looking. ;)
    Single servings are always a bit fancier than a slice of pie, so that alone is a plus.

    And freshening it all up with ginger makes it just perfect for spring!

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  21. Oh boy does this lemon curd parfait look like a fabulous summer dessert! This would present beautifully at a picnic.

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  22. hi lyndsey, i like your idea of putting some ginger powder into the whipped cream, giving it a little spice, i can imagine how good it is with lemon curd, which is not too hard to prepare. This makes a quickie yet splendid dessert on the table!

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  23. Looks delicious Lyndsey. Hope you are staying dry in these storms today!

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  24. Too many lemons...I want that problem! Hopefully I'll have a similar situation with my key lime tree :) Great parfait, love it!

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  25. Lyndsey, I'm pining for this right now, it's so warm here.
    Enjoying your clicks!

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