Lemon Mousse with Fresh Berries

BON APPÉTIT AUGUST 1999
Yield
Serves 8

Ingredients

    • 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
    • 6 large egg yolks
    • 2 large eggs
    • 11/2 tablespoons grated lemon peel
    • 1 12-ounce basket strawberries, hulled, halved (or quartered if large)
    • 1 6-ounce basket fresh blueberries
    • 1 6-ounce basket fresh raspberries
    • 1 6-ounce basket fresh blackberries
    • 2 cups chilled whipping cream
    • 8 whole strawberries (for garnish)
    • Fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

    1. Combine 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, 6 egg yolks, 2 whole eggs and grated lemon peel in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bowl to touch water). Whisk until mixture thickens and thermometer inserted into mixture registers 160°F. Transfer lemon curd to another large bowl. Chill until cool, whisking occasionally.
    2. Toss halved strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar in another large bowl.
    3. Using electric mixer, beat 11/2 cups cream in medium bowl until medium-firm peaks form. Fold 1/3 of whipped cream into lemon curd to lighten, then fold in remaining whipped cream.
    4. Divide berry mixture among 8 dessert bowls or wineglasses. Spoon lemon mousse over berries. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
    5. Using electric mixer, beat remaining 1/2 cup cream in medium bowl until stiff peaks form. Spoon whipped cream atop desserts or transfer whipped cream to pastry bag fitted with large star tip and pipe atop desserts. Garnish with whole strawberries and mint sprigs.