Lemon Cloud With Strawberry-Mint Compote

A homemade lemon curd adds bright flavor to the soufflé and perfectly complements the mint and strawberry compote. Enjoy while strawberries are ripe, or substitute any seasonal berry during the rest of the year.

Ingredients:

• Cloud:
• Cooking spray
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
• 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks 
• 4 large egg whites 
• Dash of salt
• Compote:
• 2 cups quartered small strawberries 
• 2 tablespoons sugar 
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Directions:

1. To prepare cloud, preheat oven to 350°.
2. Lightly coat a 1 1/2-quart soufflé dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar, shaking out excess. Place dish on a baking sheet.
3. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Stir in lemon rind, juice, and egg yolks. Place over medium heat; cook for 3 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; immediately scrape mixture into a glass bowl. Cool to room temperature.
4. Place egg whites and salt in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 30 seconds or until foamy. Increase mixer speed to high. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating just until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg white mixture into egg yolk mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture. Spoon into prepared dish. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until puffed and lightly browned. Remove from oven, and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Cover and chill.
5. To prepare compote, combine strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and mint; toss gently. Cover and chill. Serve with lemon cloud.

Source: Sharon Sanders, Cooking Light
JUNE 2003