# Needed Ingredients:
→ Lemon Mousse
01 - 3 large eggs, separated
02 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
03 - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
04 - 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
05 - 1 cup cold heavy cream
06 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Shortbread
08 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
09 - 2/3 cup powdered sugar
10 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Garnish
13 - Fresh berries (optional)
14 - Lemon zest curls (optional)
15 - Mint leaves (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Blend in vanilla extract, then incorporate all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms.
02 - Press dough into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Use a sharp cutter to portion into rounds or rectangles. Arrange on prepared baking sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes, until edges are pale golden. Remove from oven and cool completely.
03 - In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Set bowl over a pot of gently simmering water and whisk constantly until mixture thickens and turns pale, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
04 - In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. In another clean bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks develop, then gradually add remaining sugar and continue beating until firm, glossy peaks form.
05 - Gently fold whipped cream into the cooled lemon mixture in batches. Carefully incorporate the beaten egg whites, folding just until mixture is homogeneous and airy.
06 - Spoon lemon mousse evenly into individual serving cups or glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until mousse is fully set.
07 - Immediately before serving, garnish each mousse cup with fresh berries, lemon zest curls, and mint leaves, if desired. Present shortbread cookies on the side.
