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LEMON MERINGUE BITES
Makes 24
tartlets
For lemon curd 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon finely grated fresh lemon zest 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar 3 large eggs 12 tartlet shells For meringue 3
large egg whites 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 3/4 cup confectioner's
sugar
Make lemon curd: Cut butter into pieces and in a heavy
saucepan cook with zest, lemon juice, and sugar over moderate heat, stirring,
until sugar is dissolved and mixture just comes to a simmer. In a bowl
whisk together eggs and whisk in lemon mixture until combined well.
Transfer lemon curd to pan and heat over moderate heat, whisking
constantly, until it just begins to simmer. Pour lemon curd through a fine
sieve into a bowl and cool slightly. Chill lemon curd, its surface covered
with plastic wrap, at least 2 hours, or until cold, and up to 3 days. Fill
tartlet shells in baking cups with lemon curd. Chill tartlets, covered, 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Make meringue: In a bowl with an electric
mixer beat whites and cream of tartar until they hold soft peaks. Gradually add
sugar, beating until meringue holds stiff peaks. Transfer meringue to a
pastry bag fitted with 1/2-inch plain tip and pipe meringue 2 inches high onto
each tartlet, completely covering lemon curd. Bake tartlets in middle of
oven 3 minutes, or until meringue tips are just browned, and cool in cups on
racks. Chill tartlets in airtight containers at least 2 hours, or until
cold, and up to 1 day. Keep tartlets chilled until ready to serve.
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