Saturday, December 10, 2011

Greek Lemon Yogurt Mousse



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I know it's anathema to speak of light desserts at this time of year, but I sometimes feel the need for something that will refresh, rather than weigh down the palate. This lovely mousse was developed by Chef Nick Malgieri and it's included in his book Perfect Light Desserts. The recipe is as simple as it is light, and it will end even heavy winter meals on a bright note. The mousse is easy to make, but I wanted to alert you to some anomalies in the recipe. While they are beaten forever, the eggs whites don't form a true meringue and will look more like marshmallow creme than an Italian meringue. It is also important to beat them only until the sides of the pan in which they simmered are cool to the touch. The gelatin can coagulate if the mixture is beaten for too long a time. I, by the way, think there is too much gelatin in the original recipe. While I've cut back to 2 teaspoons when I prepare this for my family, the recipe below is the one originally developed by Nick Malgieri. The mousse is delicious as is, but berries of any type are a lovely accompaniment. I serve it with candied cranberries during the holiday season. So, if you've had one too many cookies or can't look another piece of fruitcake in the eye, I hope you'll try this dessert. Here's the recipe.

Greek Lemon Yogurt Mousse...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Nick Malgieri

Ingredients:
1 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
1 envelope (about 2 1/2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
2/3 cup eggs whites (from 4 or 5 large eggs)
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
6 to 8 serving vessels (glasses, ramekins, etc.)

Directions:
1) Combine yogurt, zest, juice, and extract in a small bowl. Whisk together and set aside.
2) To a separate small bowl, add water. Sprinkle gelatin on top and set aside.
3) Fill a medium saucepan halfway with water. Boil over medium heat. Meanwhile, to the bowl of a stand mixer, add egg whites, salt, and sugar, stirring gently to combine. Once water is boiling, carefully lower stand mixer bowl into saucepan. Whisk gently until sugar is dissolved and eggs are near-scalding to the touch. Remove bowl from pan.
4) Scrape gelatin into egg mixture and whisk quickly and thoroughly to combine.
5) Secure bowl to your stand mixer. Using the whisk attachment, whip egg mixture at medium-high speed until the outside of the bowl is totally cool to the touch. (This took me about 8 minutes.) Once this occurs, add yogurt mixture. Continue whipping a few more seconds, until it's all combined.
6) Divide mixture among serving vessels and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes. Serve cold, with berries if they are available. Yield: 6 to 8 servings.








One Year ago Today: Quick and Crusty Hard Rolls
















Two Years Ago Today: Sauteed Christmas Peppers

29 comments :

Katarina said...

What a lovely dessert, fresh and light! Have a great day!

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks wonderful!!!! Would be really good after a heavy meal!

Priyanka said...

Looks wonderful and refreshing :)

Sofia.Lopez said...

Hello Mary,
What a lovely mousse! Light and delicious...i would love to try it :)
Have a nice weekend ;)

Rita said...

I love greek yogurt an this mousse sounds perfect for my tastebuds.
Rita

Alicia Foodycat said...

I think that is exactly what is needed at this time of year! It looks delicious.

Stephanie said...

Sounds delicious! I love light desserts and lemon.

Margaret Murphy Tripp said...

Looks and sounds refreshing! My entire family loves lemon anything!

TinaRBK said...

For some reason in my mind, lemon just equates to a light dessert. Knowing how rich the food can be around the holidays-this looks like a welcome change of pace! Your picture is so inviting. Great post

Big Dude said...

It does sound light and refreshing and your Christmas peppers look delicious to this ole pepper hound.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

There's my favourite lemon used in a luscious dessert again Mary!!

Sue/the view from great island said...

Sounds divine. I can feel a lemon binge coming on, I've had a little too much winter already.

Anonymous said...

I agree, this is a must for my holiday table, perfect!

Tanna said...

I love lemon desserts! Have to confess that I will be saving this one for lighter eating times... I am in full-indulgence mode until after the holidays! LOL! Unlike a wise woman and her husband I know of who lighten it up during the weeks between one feast and the next. ;) blessings ~ tanna

Diane said...

A lovely fresh desert. Made a note of this one. Thanks. Diane

sonia said...

Wow, this looks sooooo good! I can't wait to try it!

Unknown said...

Hi Mary! Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I just started it so your compliment means a lot!

I can't wait to peruse though all of your recipes and your blog!

Cheers!
Jackie

Gloria Baker said...

Look delicious I love all with lemon dear Mary:)

Kim said...

this dessert is perfect for this before-holiday-season! We all need somethnig sweet sometimes but not too sweet and not to fat! Plus, I love lemon flavor!

Katie said...

What a nice, easy, and light dessert. I love greek yogurt and this sounds like a treat that is completely guilt-free! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

thanks so much for such a delicious and light sounding dessert. A welcome change from all the heavy winter fare!
Mary x

Alicia said...

All I need is to see the words lemon and mousse and I'm there! This looks delicious!

Joanne said...

Oh my god PLEASE bring on the light desserts! I love lemon and I love Greek yogurt...totally a pair made in heaven for me!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Oh Mary, I just made creme brulee & have all these extra egg whites in the fridge! This would be PERFECT for using them. Thanks for sharing. YUM!!

Rachana said...

Looks so refreshing and delicious!

That Girl said...

You're amazing! The instructions make it sound so complicated!

Deb in Hawaii said...

I love anything lemon and this looks so light and refreshing. ;-)

Ruth said...

This looks perfect for the end of a heavy meal. I'm going to bookmark and use it despite my husband's dislike of lemony desserts!!

Chiara said...

what a great idea for next Christmas dinner!...have a good day...

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Printfriendly