Lemon Curd Mousse with Masa-Almond Shortbread

March 2024 Potato Dumpling Society

Lemon curd is the way to Chef Normal Louise’s heart. This woman started out as my chef and became a sister. I have admired her since the first day I met her when I was a lowly and timid culinary student on externship at a fancy hotel restaurant in the Napa Valley. We found many different kitchens to work in together, from Napa to Texas, and I quickly learned that lemon curd was her favorite. I used to make a batch to keep on her station, just so she could deftly dip in a spoon for a mini treat during a stressful service and now every time I make it, I think of her.

As it’s still citrus season in much of the Northern Hemisphere, I thought a lemon curd dessert would be such a creamy way to celebrate the nearby transition from winter to spring. I particularly enjoy it with these crunchy little cookies that are edible for our gluten free friends and offer a subtle floral note to bounce off of the lemon, creating an exuberant dance of flavors on your tongue.

Lemon Curd

Yields 1 pt

Beat to com…