meyer lemon pudding cakes

I expected to break down at some point that day, my first Thanksgiving without my father present, but I kept it together. I made those potatoes after all, the ones I wrote about here. I think it helped that I eased myself into it, buying the potatoes one day, the cream cheese on another, not making too big a fuss over the significance. They weren’t nearly as good as Dad’s, but I didn’t expect them to be.

It was an unusual Thanksgiving, not having Dad around. This was also the first Thanksgiving without my father-in-law, who died in July after an unexpected and lengthy illness. To make up for the hurt we expected to feel that day, my husband and I surrounded ourselves with our remaining family and a hodgepodge of friends. And with food, lots and lots of food.

meyer lemon budino | the merry gourmet

Turns out, being surrounded by friends worked. I was distracted from feeling sad by having my dear friend, Julia, and her family at our Thanksgiving. Of course, her husband’s apple cider cocktails took the edge off and lightened the mood. Our friend Deanna fit right in, despite this being her first meal at our house. Jim and Mary, long time friends of my parents – and now of me and Sam – drove up from Orlando for the day. Sitting around the table after dinner, reminiscing and telling stories of “back when…,” made the day seem quite…normal. Like Thanksgiving should be, and like it always has been.

After everyone had gone home, my mother and I rode to the nursing home to visit Dad. He was completely confused. He had no idea it was Thanksgiving. He recognized us, but he couldn’t really communicate with us. He got mad at us for not bringing him a hammer. For not understanding that he needed one, immediately. That part of the day was sad, but it also made me feel less guilty about not having him at home. The day held no significance to him. And for that, for his not placing importance on the day, I was grateful.

*   *   *   *   *

Our friend Jim appreciates food just as much as I do, and one of the things I’ve loved about having him and Mary at our Thanksgiving each year is the chance to catch up and learn what he’s been excited about eating or cooking. This year, he and Mary gave us a gift of 18 or so Meyer lemons, right off their tree, along with a bunch of fresh herbs (thyme and sage) and a couple of bottles of chardonnay. Jim suggested that I make a Meyer lemon sorbet with the lemons, but it was cold the weekend after Thanksgiving, so I opted for something less chilly.

These Meyer lemon pudding cakes were amazing. The top cake-like layer is delicate and light and unassuming. But when your spoon slips through the surface, the pale yellow pudding layer is revealed: creamy, just a bit tart, and simply delightful.

I wanted to do right by those gifted Meyer lemons, and I think I accomplished that.

meyer lemon pudding cakes | the merry gourmet

Yield: Serves 6.

Meyer Lemon Pudding Cakes

This recipe comes from Bon Appétit and is just slightly tweaked from the original. I opted to use all Meyer lemons in this version. If you're feeling fancy, make your own vanilla whipped cream to serve with each pudding cake.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice
1 tablespoon Meyer lemon zest
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place oven rack in middle position. Butter six 3/4-cup ramekins. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup sugar, egg yolks, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk in milk.

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt in a medium bowl until frothy. Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until soft peaks form. Fold beaten egg whites into lemon mixture in 2 additions. Divide batter among prepared ramekins, and place ramekins in a roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins, taking care not to splash water into the ramekins. Bake until tops are golden and spring back when lightly touched, about 30 minutes. Remove ramekins from water. Serve warm or cold, with whipped cream.

Slightly tweaked from Bon Appétit, September 2006.

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9 Responses to “meyer lemon pudding cakes”

  1. 1
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    Macaroni Mama — December 10, 2013 @ 9:29 pm

    You forgot to mention that I spent the night with you guys and the next morning I said, “You work hard…and you relax hard.” It was a great Thanksgiving day and night. Thanks for letting me have time away from ‘my life’ of caregiving.

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    Gail — December 11, 2013 @ 9:14 am

    I know this recipe, having made it myself.
    If you love lemon, pudding or cake, it’s a winner.
    Glad you had so many people around you to lift your spirits.
    Such a huge help, isn’t it?

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    Di — December 11, 2013 @ 12:25 pm

    Holidays are, I believe, times that afford most of us the luxurious opportunity of staying connected to our past, celebrating our present and looking forward to our future with those we love and cherish. Paradoxically it seems they also serve as a somewhat sad reminder of the loved ones no longer with us. I’m glad you made the potatoes. Being able to balance the bitter-sweetness of some holidays takes courage and I admire yours. It seems we enjoyed a sort of “six degrees of separation” connection, Merry Jennifer, this holiday as I spent mine with family and friends that included your friend Julia’s in-laws replete with a ride in her brother-in-law’s new Tesla….what a machine! My cup, overcourse, runneth over with love for her niece and nephew. They are my heart. Wishing you a courageous Christmas season filled with all that you love.

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    Eileen — December 11, 2013 @ 7:58 pm

    Glad you made it gracefully through the day Jennifer. I know how tough it is to keep going when you are in the middle of losing someone you love so much.

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    Paula — December 11, 2013 @ 8:37 pm

    Your lemon pudding cakes look lovely. What a great use of a wonderful gift from your friends. Happy that you wrote this post, was nice to hear that you did enjoy your Thanksgiving and that you made the mashed potatoes.

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    MJ your strength and grace amongst all you have been through this year never cease to amaze me. Beautiful post.

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    Kathryn — December 12, 2013 @ 4:06 pm

    Lovely little cakes, what a lovely way to use up a glut of winter citrus.

  8. 8
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    Teresa, foodonfifth — December 15, 2013 @ 11:31 am

    These look so beautiful and perfect for this holiday season. A bit lighter dessert than all those pumpkin & pecan pies. I love those too, but this would lure me more. Very nice recipe and heartfelt story.

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    Nutmeg Nanny — December 23, 2013 @ 10:09 pm

    These look so so perfect, I love lemon desserts so I can’t wait to give this recipe a try. I’m glad your family and friends were there to help you through

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