This week’s TWD was chosen by Bridget of The Way the Cookie Crumbles: lemon cup custard! I have to pat myself on the back just a little this week. I think this is the first TWD recipe in about 2 months that I haven’t waited until the absolute last minute to make. Not surprisingly, the process is a lot less stressful when I’m not rushing to get my post up late in the day on Tuesday!
When I checked out this week’s recipe, there were a few reasons I was pleased to see that Dorie provided suggestions for playing around with the flavor of the custard. First, I didn’t have lemons on hand and didn’t want to run out for them. Perhaps more importantly though, when I visited the TWD site to gauge the the group’s early thoughts on this recipe, the reviews were not favorable. There were a lot of comments about how “eggy” the dessert was, and even Dorie herself chimed in to let us know that the custard was supposed to be eggy. I’m not a custard/flan person to begin with and all these reviews of an eggy dessert made me wary.
So I decided to go with the espresso-cinnamon variation in the hopes it would make the egginess less pronounced. It’s a simple recipe and came together without a problem. I refrigerated it overnight and the next morning I took a bite. I have to say that the espresso-cinnamon flavor combination was amazing! The two work together beautifully and made the custard so fragrant! That said, the texture was not pleasant. I’m not sure how best to describe it but it wasn’t for me. If I made this again I’d have to figure out something crunchy or something with a bite to add.
Many thanks to Bridget for her selection this week! This is definitely not a recipe I’d have made were I not a part of this group and that’s what this is all about. Head over to her blog for the recipe and check out the TWD blogroll to get a glimpse at the many flavor varieties this week!
Lemon Bars
Glazed Grapefruit Cake
Orange Sherbet
Meyer Lemon Pound Cake
Yay, another coffee custard! I made half lemon and half coffee. It was OK, kinda strong though. 🙂
This sounds really good. I love this cookbook, haven’t made any of the custards yet though.
I’m glad that you tried the espresso, cinnamon version! I was wondering how it would turn out! Sorry you didn’t like the texture, but it really looks beautiful! I love the color! If you want some bite to it, maybe add some cocao nibs for the texture next time??? They would probably go very well with your combo!
At least the flavor was good even if the texture didn’t work!
the flavor sounds great! glad it tasted good. i saw a few people did a brulee top on theirs, maybe try that if you make it again!
the espresso cinnamon flavor sounds amazing. Too bad you didn’t like the texture. Your custards look gorgeous.
The espresso version sounds lovely!
This flavor sounds terirfic. Itlooks delicious. I haven’t made her custards yet, but they suure look great!
So glad you tried it anyway. The flavoring you used really sounds good. Good Work and maybe next week will be delicious..
AmyRuth
You flavor combo sounds great. I like to serve puddings and custards with crunchy cookies for that textural contrast, but I also liked the texture of this custard.
What a great combination. I love the playing around suggestions. Textures are such a funny thing. It is an odd texture in my book too.
I think you did the smart thing! And your custard looks creamy and rich and so beautiful! I laughed when I read the part about not waiting until the last moment…most weeks, that’s ME for sure…flying by the seat of my pants always trying to get the TWD dessert made and posted! Great job on your custard!
The espresso-cinnamon flavor combo sounds wonderful – I think it’s the texture that is turning people off. I wish I’d done the espresso version rather than the lemon!
Congratulations on a relaxing TWD experience this week. It’s so much more fun to bake when you’re not pressed for time. Sorry you didn’t like the texture.
I think the addition of cinnamon was pure genius!
Love the espresso cinnamon variation – I was glad about getting to try different variations, because they all looked wonderful. Beautiful job!
The cinnamon espresso variation sounds great. I almost tried it, but even a small amount of caffeine keeps me up for hours, and of course I usually eat dessert at night. But at least you liked the flavor, even if the texture didn’t work for you!