A Maine Dish, Lemon Mousse Pie

Certainly! Here’s the detailed information you requested about the Maine Dish, Lemon Mousse Pie:

Recipe: Lemon Mousse Pie

History:
Lemon mousse pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemons with the light and airy texture of mousse. While the exact origins of this dessert are not well-documented, mousse-based desserts have been popular in European cuisine for centuries. The combination of lemon and mousse likely became popular due to the refreshing and vibrant taste that lemons bring to desserts.

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 pre-baked pie crust (9 inches)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 large egg yolks
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Recipe Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually add the water while whisking to ensure there are no lumps.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot sugar mixture to the egg yolks while whisking to temper them.
5. Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and butter until well combined.
7. Allow the lemon mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Once the lemon mixture is chilled, whip the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form.
2. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled lemon mixture until fully incorporated.
3. Pour the lemon mousse into the pre-baked pie crust and spread it evenly.
4. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours, or until the mousse is set.
5. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves before serving, if desired.

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2-3 hours

This refreshing Lemon Mousse Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty taste of lemons with the airy texture of mousse, making it a perfect treat for various occasions. Enjoy!

Please note that the provided preparation time is approximate and can vary based on individual cooking skills and kitchen equipment.

Certainly, here’s the nutrition information and health considerations for Lemon Mousse Pie:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on a standard recipe serving 8 slices):

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
• Total Fat: About 18g
  • Saturated Fat: Around 10g
  • Trans Fat: Minimal
• Cholesterol: Roughly 120mg
• Sodium: Approximately 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: About 37g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 0.5g
  • Sugars: Around 27g
• Protein: Roughly 3g
• Vitamin D: About 6% DV
• Calcium: Around 4% DV
• Iron: Roughly 2% DV
• Potassium: Approximately 2% DV

Health Information and Considerations:

• Lemon mousse pie is a dessert that is rich in sugar and fat due to the combination of heavy whipping cream, butter, and sugar used in the recipe. It’s a treat meant for indulgence and should be enjoyed in moderation.
• The high content of saturated fat and added sugars in this dessert can contribute to excess calorie intake and may not be suitable for individuals with certain dietary restrictions, such as those following a low-fat or low-sugar diet.
• The dessert contains a moderate amount of cholesterol due to the egg yolks and heavy cream. Individuals with high cholesterol levels or specific dietary requirements should be mindful of their consumption.
• While lemons themselves are a good source of vitamin C and provide a refreshing flavor, the overall nutritional profile of the pie is not particularly nutrient-dense. It’s important to balance such treats with a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet.
• If you have allergies or sensitivities to dairy, eggs, or gluten (if your pie crust contains gluten), this dessert may not be suitable unless adapted to your dietary needs.

Remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific health concerns or dietary goals.