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Posset is a wealthy, creamy, citrusy British dessert. The balanced lemon taste teeters irresistibly between tangy and candy. Slightly goes a good distance, so it’s good after an enormous meal. I’m downright obsessive about this recipe. Maintain studying and also you’ll see why!

Posset is a straightforward make-ahead dessert to supply at events in particular person servings. It will be pretty at Easter and Mom’s Day celebrations, child showers, dinner events, and extra.

To make posset, you’ll want simply 4 substances—heavy cream, sugar, lemons and vanilla extract—and some additional hours to relax it within the fridge. You may make posset the evening earlier than and even freeze the leftovers.

Posset has been consumed in Britain for properly over 600 years, although it was initially a scorching drink made out of sweetened, curdled milk combined with wine or ale. It was typically served to assist treatment colds or fevers. The trendy chilled citrus and cream model got here to be within the twentieth century. For the reason that recipe is British, posset is pronounced like “pocket” however with an s.

I first tried posset for my cookbook, however I overcomplicated the recipe by attempting to serve the posset like cheesecake squares over graham cracker crust. In hindsight, it’s finest served merely in small containers, and garnished as desired. Years later, my husband jogged my memory of posset after he made some on a whim after discovering the idea on Instagram.

I pulled out my outdated notes and tweaked the quantities of cream to make use of one full pint, used simply sufficient sugar so it’s not too candy, and specified the precise quantities of lemon zest and lemon juice relatively than calling for 2 or three lemons, which all the time differ in measurement. To attain a constant consistency, I discovered a trick from America’s Take a look at Kitchen—we’ll know the combination is completed simmering as soon as it has lowered to 2 cups. This examined and perfected recipe is prepared in your kitchen!

Posset Substances

You’ll want simply 4 substances to make this superb deal with. Posset can’t be made dairy-free, however it’s conveniently gluten-free, egg-free and nut-free. In comparison with typical pudding recipes, this posset recipe is downright magical in its simplicity (no gelatin,  cornstarch or eggs required).

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is the one choice for posset. It yields a wealthy, luscious texture. You’ll want to scale back the warmth as essential to take care of a mild simmer, as a result of the tip consequence doesn’t style fairly as good if the cream is overheated. To succeed in our desired consistency, we’ll maintain a glass liquid measuring cup by the range to measure the cream combination after cooking for 15 to twenty minutes. As soon as it has lowered to 2 cups, we’ll transfer to the subsequent step.

Sugar

Plain granulated sugar lets the lemon taste shine on this recipe. We’ll gently simmer it within the pot with heavy cream and lemon zest, stirring till it fully dissolves. I like to experiment with pure sweeteners when attainable, however honey dominated the flavour after I tried it. (Technically, you’ll be able to substitute an equal quantity of honey or only a portion for the sugar and the recipe will set.)

Lemon Zest and Juice

The tart lemon juice helps the combination set, whereas the lemon zest intensifies the lemon taste. We’ll simmer the zest within the cream, take away it from the warmth, and stir within the lemon juice. After twenty minutes, we’ll pressure the zest out of the combination for a easy texture.

We’ll want 2 to three medium lemons for this recipe (maybe purchase an additional lemon simply in case). Since we’re utilizing the zest, shopping for natural citrus is finest to keep away from pesticide residues. Zest the lemon first, then juice it—it’s unattainable to zest a juiced lemon.

Vanilla Extract

Whereas technically optionally available, a small quantity of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of lemon and cream. It provides a lightweight style of vanilla custard and I like to recommend it!

Watch Find out how to Make Lemon Posset

Garnish Solutions

Garnishes are optionally available however make this pale yellow dessert extra eye-catching. For these images, I garnished the posset with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and tiny sprigs of mint. You possibly can maintain it easy by selecting simply a type of. Right here’s a full record of garnish choices:

• Crumbled graham crackers
• Crushed pistachios
• Recent mint (use the tiniest sprigs or one small leaf per cup)
• Lemon zest or candied lemon peel
• Small berries: Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Whipped cream

Taste Variations

Lemon posset is the commonest selection, however you may make posset with orange, lime or another citrus fruit. Think about enjoyable seasonal varieties like Meyer lemon, key lime or Cara Cara orange.

You’ll be able to substitute different citrus varieties one-for-one within the recipe beneath. Don’t attempt to substitute anything for the citrus juice—the recipe wants the interplay between citrus and heavy cream to set correctly.

Serving Cup & Spoon Solutions

Select small glasses that may maintain no less than 2 ounces. I used Crate and Barrel’s Bitty Chew brief glasses for these images. Cheaper choices embrace 2-ounce glass shot glasses or disposable plastic cups (you’ll have a lot for a number of batches).

You’ll doubtless have to serve these mini cups with mini spoons, also referred to as espresso or demitasse spoons. Right here’s a reasonable set of twelve chrome steel spoons. For these images, I used spoons like these.

Find out how to Freeze Posset

As soon as chilled, possets might be saved in a carton with a lid or wrapped in plastic wrap. They may maintain within the fridge for as much as 1 week or within the freezer for as much as 3 months. If frozen, unwrap them and allow them to thaw within the fridge earlier than serving, about half-hour. You can even benefit from the posset straight from the frozen or simply evenly thawed—it tastes like dense lemon gelato and I like it.

Extra Candy Treats to Make

For extra miniature treats like this recipe, strive these:

For extra citrusy sweets, strive these:

Please let me know the way your posset seems within the feedback! I hope it turns into your new favourite dessert.

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