Fritters with Lemon Mousse and Strawberries

Name: Fritters with Lemon Mousse and Strawberries
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 10 servings.
Ingredients: 2 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar; TOPPING:; 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; FRITTERS:; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup 2% milk; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; Oil for deep-fat frying

Deep-fried fritters are wonderful on their own but become over-the-top amazing with a creamy lemon mousse and sweet strawberries. Raspberries and blueberries yield equally good results. —Shannon Bell, Woodstock, Georgia

Ingredients

2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
TOPPING:
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon sugar
FRITTERS:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

In a small heavy saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar and lemon juice until blended. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and a thermometer reads at least 170°. Do not allow to boil. Immediately remove from heat. Transfer to a small bowl; cool 10 minutes. Refrigerate, covered, at least 30 minutes or until cold.
In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold into lemon mixture. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
For topping, in a small bowl, toss strawberries with honey and sugar. Let stand until juices are released from strawberries.
For fritters, in a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk egg, milk, melted butter and orange zest until blended. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls, a few at a time, into hot oil. Fry 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
To serve, spoon mousse into dessert dishes; top with strawberries. Serve with fritters.

Originally published as Citrus Fritters with Lemon Mousse and Macerated Berries in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2015