Caribbean Lime Mousse

Caribbean Lime Mousse Recipe - A Refreshing Dessert from the Islands

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Caribbean Lime Mousse is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of tangy lime and sweet coconut creates a tropical flavor that will transport you to the islands with every bite.

History

This recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, where citrus fruits like limes are abundant and used in a variety of dishes. The creamy texture of the mousse is a nod to the French influence on Caribbean cuisine, creating a dessert that is both rich and refreshing.

Ingredients

1 cup of water
2 tbsp of water
0.5 cup of flour
0.5 cup of cornstarch
1 pinch of salt
2 cups of granulated sugar
6 egg yolks and whites, separated
2 large limes
0.5 tsp of vanilla extract
2 tbsp of butter
5 tbsp of heavy cream
0.25 cup of sweetened flaked coconut
4 slices of lime
granulated sugar, as needed (optional)

How to prepare

Using a microplane zester, remove the zest from the limes and set it aside.
Squeeze and strain the juice from the limes into a small bowl and set it aside.
Heat the water in a saucepan until it is steaming (do not boil).
Whisk in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and 2 cups of sugar.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly thickened.
Separate the egg whites from the egg yolks and set each aside.
Whisk together the egg yolks with the lime zest and vanilla.
Using a small ladle, add a small amount of the heated mixture to the egg yolks, stirring briskly to temper.
Do this a couple more times, then gradually stir the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan, whisking briskly as you do so.
Quickly stir in the lime juice, butter, and heavy cream.
Cook, stirring, for 2-4 minutes or until the mixture is thickened; remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they are very stiff.
Fold the beaten egg whites into the lime mixture, stirring gently until blended.
Spoon the mousse into 4 large wine glasses or dessert dishes.
Sprinkle each dessert with about 1 tbsp of shredded coconut.
Cut each lime slice almost in half, stopping cutting just at the edge of the peel on one side.
Dip the lime slices into granulated sugar, if desired, and shake off any excess.
Twist the cut sides of the lime into two opposite directions and lay them on top of the mousse.
Chill for 2-3 hours or until the mousse is firm and set before serving.

Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream.
Add a splash of rum to the lime mixture for a boozy twist on this dessert.
Top the mousse with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to whisk the egg yolks briskly when tempering them with the hot mixture to prevent them from curdling.

- Folding the beaten egg whites into the lime mixture gently will help maintain the light and airy texture of the mousse.

- Chill the mousse for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to set and firm up before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Caribbean Lime Mousse with a sprinkle of additional shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a tropical fruit cocktail for a complete island-inspired dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the flour and cornstarch mixture until it is lightly thickened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the mousse.

- Whisk the egg whites until they are very stiff to create a light and airy mousse.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lemon zest and juice instead of lime for a different citrus flavor.

- Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract for a nutty undertone in the mousse.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Caribbean Lime Mousse up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the coconut and lime slices right before serving for the best presentation.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the mousse in elegant wine glasses or dessert dishes for a sophisticated presentation. Garnish each serving with a twisted lime slice dipped in sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Caribbean Lime Mousse with a glass of Moscato or a tropical fruit sangria for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience. The sweet and tangy flavors of the mousse will complement the fruity notes of the wine perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow the mousse to come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Dairy

Summary

This Caribbean Lime Mousse is a decadent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of protein and vitamin C.

Summary

Caribbean Lime Mousse is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty flavors of lime with the creamy richness of coconut. This recipe is a perfect way to bring a taste of the tropics to your table and is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Caribbean Lime Mousse. It was a sunny day in the summer of 1975, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in Puerto Rico. Maria was an incredible cook, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

That day, Maria invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special dessert for a family gathering. As she gathered the ingredients and explained the steps to me, I couldn't help but be amazed by the simplicity and elegance of the dish she was teaching me to make.

The key to the Caribbean Lime Mousse, Maria explained, was in the balance of flavors. The tartness of fresh lime juice, the sweetness of condensed milk, and the creaminess of whipped cream all came together to create a light and refreshing dessert that was perfect for hot summer days.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down many of the recipes she used in her cooking. She told me about the traditions and techniques that had been handed down through generations, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to my own heritage as I learned from her.

After we had finished making the mousse, Maria insisted that I try a spoonful of it before we refrigerated it to set. The first bite was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth - the tangy lime flavor was perfectly balanced by the creamy sweetness of the condensed milk, and I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

I brought the recipe back home with me to New York, and over the years, I made it for countless family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I served it, people would ask for the recipe, and I would proudly share the story of how I had learned to make it from my dear friend Maria in Puerto Rico.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. Sometimes I would add a splash of rum for a little extra kick, or sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a bit of crunch. No matter how I tweaked it, though, the basic foundation of the Caribbean Lime Mousse remained the same - a perfect balance of flavors that never failed to impress.

I often think back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, and the joy I felt as I learned to make this delicious dessert. It reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the places we have been. And as I pass this recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel that same sense of joy and connection as they make it in their own kitchens, creating new memories and traditions of their own.