Bring a distinctly Japanese flavour to a patisserie favourite with this
dessert of meringue, yuzu curd, and griddled persimmon. A fine way to
end your evening meal, this dessert balances the flavour and
texture of the crisp, sugary meringue with the tartness of the yuzu curd and the persimmon. Great-tasting and
thoroughly unique.
yuzu curd 2 fresh yellow yuzu, zested and juiced 50g of butter, cubed 100g of sugar 2 egg yolks
meringue 1 egg white 55g of caster sugar 150g of double cream 1 hachiya persimmon, ripe
How To Prepare
Boil a small pan of water and find a small glass bowl which snugly fits on top of it to create a bainmarie.
Place the yuzu juice, yuzu zest, cubed butter and sugar in the glass bowl. Sit the bowl on top of the simmering pan and stir until the butter has melted.
Add the egg yolks to the bowl and continue stirring over a gentle heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the curd has thickened to a custard-like consistency. Refrigerate. Don't worry if the curd seems a little loose as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Preheat the oven to 120°C/gas mark 1/4.
To make the meringue, tip the egg whites into a clean mixing bowl and whisk until they form soft peaks. Add the sugar, half a tablespoon at a time, until the meringue mixture becomes glossy and holds its shape.
Spoon the meringue mixture onto a baking tray lined with non-stick baking parchment, using a spatula to shape it into a small nest. Place in the oven for 2–3 hours, until the meringue has dried-out and become crisp. Gently lift it from the baking parchment onto a platter or cake stand.
Cut the persimmon into segments and line them along on a searing hot griddle pan, cooking them for 3–4 minutes on each side so the fruit is softened and lined with black char.
Meanwhile, whip the cream. Spoon it into the meringue and scoop the lemon curd on top. Arrange the persimmon segments in a spiral on top and serve immediately.