Sweet Lemon Delight with Crunchy Granola
Serves 6
Lemony Mousse
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) sweet lemon juice (medium sweet lemons)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sugar, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tablespoon water
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 vanilla bean, scraped
Instructions:
- Mix 2 cups sweet lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Mix 1/2 tablespoon each of cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then whisk into the lemon mixture. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat 2 cups heavy cream and 1/2 vanilla bean scrapings with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- To the cooled lemon mixture, gently fold in one-third of the beaten cream until well combined.
- Fold in the remaining two-thirds of the beaten cream just until blended.
- Divide the mousse into 6 individual serving dishes or a large bowl and chill at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Granola Crumble
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mixed dried fruit
- 1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) honey
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 4 tablespoons (48 g) whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine dried fruit, oats, and honey in a small bowl, stirring well to coat.
- Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until granola crumble is slightly golden and fragrant.
- Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, rub the chilled butter into the oats and flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cooled granola crumble and set aside.
Assembly
- Top each servings of chilled lemon mousse with a spoonful of granola crumble.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon (optional).
Enrichment Insights:
To make this dessert vegan-friendly, opt for plant-based options of the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 g) canned coconut milk, full-fat
- 1/4 cup (80 g) maple syrup, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh passionfruit juice (or lime juice)
For lemony freshness, consider adding a tablespoon of finely grated ginger to the lemon mousse mix. This will add a delightful burst of aroma and spiciness.
For a tropical twist, consider replacing the granola crumble with coconut-infused crumbs made using unsweetened shredded coconut, granulated sugar, honey, and melted unsalted butter.
[1] This sweet lemon mousse recipe serves as a base, allowing you to adjust ingredients and flavors to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and crunchy textures.