LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2024

CITRUS TWIST

Whole Lemon Pudding Cakes

In the world of lemon desserts, pudding cakes don’t get nearly enough respect. Like lemon meringue pie baked into mini cakes, these tangy pillows of fluffy sweetness are sure to please any lemon lover. 1 whole medium or large lemon, about 6 oz (170 g), quartered, seeded 3/4 cup (175 mL) whole milk, at room temperature 2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly, plus more for ramekins 1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract 4 large eggs, separated 1/3 cup (80 mL) all-purpose flour 1 cup (250 mL) sugar, divided Icing sugar and lemon zest to garnish 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly butter six 6-oz (170-mL) ramekins and place in a baking dish. Put on a full kettle of water to boil. 2. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, blend lemon, milk, butter and vanilla until lemon is completely puréed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Whisk in egg yolks until combined, then whisk in flour and 3/4 cup (175 mL) sugar. 3. Using a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-high speed to soft peaks, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar and continue to beat on high until stiff glossy peaks form, about 3 minutes more.

4. Using a spatula, gently fold whipped whites into lemon mix ture, one third at a time, until just combined—a few white streaks are better than overworking it. 5. Divide batter between rame kins, filling to 1/3 inch (8 mm) from top. (Be careful not to overfill or cakes will overflow in the oven.) 6. Transfer baking dish to middle rack. Slowly pour hot water into

covered and refrigerated up to 3 days. Serves 6 WHAT TO SERVE Martell VS Single Distillery Cognac LCBO 108100, $79.95 The sweet citrus, spice and vanilla notes of the Cognac stand up to the buttery candied lemon flavours of the cakes.

pan until it goes halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake until cakes are puffed and lightly browned on top, 30 to 35 minutes. Carefully remove from oven. Using tongs, carefully remove each ramekin to a cooling rack. 7. Serve warm or at room temperature dusted with icing sugar and sprinkled lemon zest, if desired. Leftover cakes can be

42 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2024