Lavender-Lemon Pudding Cakes
A small amount of dried lavendar makes a big impact in the flavor of these light single-serving pudding cakes. You can bake in any 6-ounce oven-safe dishes¿try heart-shaped molds for Valentine's Day or anniversaries.
Ingredients
-
1 cup milk
-
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 tsp. dried lavender
-
2 lemons
-
Butter, softened
-
Granulated sugar
-
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
-
¼ cup all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon butter, melted
-
3 eggs, separated
-
coarse or rock sugar (optional)
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F.In a small saucepan combine milk and 1 Tbsp. lavender over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat; let stand for 15 minutes. Strain; discard lavender.
Finely shred 1 Tbsp. peel from lemons. Juice lemons (1/4 cup). Set aside. Butter six 6-oz. ramekins or custard cups with softened butter; sprinkle each with sugar tapping out any excess. Set aside.
In a large bowl combine 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar and the flour. Whisk in lemon peel, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth. In a small bowl whisk together egg yolks and strained milk. Whisk milk mixture into flour mixture until smooth; set aside.
In a small bowl beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add remaining 4 Tbsp. sugar, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Stir a small amount of the egg whites into the lemon mixture to lighten. Fold in remaining egg whites (batter will be thin).
Pour batter into prepared dishes, filling each three-fourths full; place in a shallow baking pan. Bake 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Remove pan from oven and cool cakes on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Place remaining dried lavender and rock sugar in a blender. Cover; blend until fine. Sprinkle over cakes. Serve warm.