Lemon Curd
At its heart, the magic of lemon curd is a lesson in foundational pastry technique. It is, in essence, a vibrant citrus sabayon. The process begins with the vigorous whipping of lemon juice with whole eggs and sugar over a heat source. This initial stage is crucial; it’s the creation of the emulsion’s structure, trapping air and setting the stage for what is to come: the incorporation of butter. This is the ultimate emulsion: a perfect, silken marriage of sharpness and sweetness, of airy lightness and decadent richness. The result is a versatile wonder, a curd or crémeux that can fill tarts, layer cakes, to-go dessert in cups, or simply be savored by the spoonful. Yet, perhaps its most celebrated and beloved application remains the classic Lemon Pie.