This New Year’s Eve, we were invited to spend it with our friends Amanda and Noe. They are back from Africa and wanted to get together! The arrangement was, Devon cooks and they buy the food! We were joined by two other friends, Kat and artist husband Matt! It was shaping up to be a yummy and fun night!
With a little brainstorming we created a menu with steak as the star (per the guy’s request!)
The night was started off with Devon’s Caesar Salad. The entree was grilled rib eye steaks topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions and roasted sweet potatoes with caramelized onions and cranberry sauce.
Amanda requested something lemony for dessert so I decided on Lemon Mousse! I’ve made this Lemon Mousse before! It is rich and tangy and decadent and well, the perfect way to ring in the New Year!!!
Typically my grocery store doesn’t carry Meyer Lemons, but for the holidays I found these beauties!
Zest one lemon.
Juice approximately two lemons to yield 1/2 Cup of lemon juice. I love this electric citrus juicer. I picked it up years ago at a flea market for $2.00. I’m not a huge kitchen gadget fan, but this machine has come in handy over and over!
Then take 6 egg yolks and strain them through a fine sieve.
Combine the egg yolks with 1 Cup of sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest in a non reactive pan and cook stirring constantly for 10-12 minutes until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and whisk mixture to cool it slightly. Then stir in 1 stick of butter that has been cut into small pieces. Drop the pieces in one at a time, until fully incorporated.
Put into a clean container and refrigerate until chilled. Take a quart of heavy cream and put into a kitchen aid mixer with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium until cream is thick with soft peaks. Add 1 tsp. of vanilla and 1 Cup of confectioner’s sugar and mix until combined. Put the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl and then gently fold in the lemon curd until mixed. We served the mousse with fresh berries.
I apologize I don’t have pictures of the final steps. At that point, out New Year’s festivities were under way and I wanted to enjoy the moment without my camera!
But, I promise, this dessert will help you celebrate just about anything!
Happy 2011!!!
