Lemon and White Chocolate Mousse Parfaits

Well, I can’t take the credit for this one — at least making it. Eating it, yes.

Boyfriend and I went to Connecticut for Easter and my mom (now you know where I got the cooking gene) put out quite a spread: ham, lamb, two kinds of potatoes, mini crab cakes, asparagus and mushroom tarts, vegetable medley … it goes on.

And then, just in case you hadn’t stuffed your face enough, there was dessert.

These were good, and I was a little skeptical of the lemon. I’m not a big lemon fan, but this was subtle.

Plus, I love parfaits. They are relatively easy but have an impressive presentation. These would be a perfect dessert for a spring or summer event.

Good job Mom!

Lemon and White Chocolate Mousse Parfaits with Strawberries

• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup plus 2 2/3 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
• 1 3.5-ounce bar high-quality white chocolate (such as Lindt or Perugina), finely chopped
• 5 cups sliced hulled strawberries (about 2 pounds)

Whisk egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and salt in medium metal bowl to blend. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water. Whisk until mixture is very thick and thermometer inserted into center registers 160°F to 170°F, about 6 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Cool lemon mousse base to room temperature.

Combine 1/4 cup cream and white chocolate in another medium metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir constantly until chocolate is soft and almost melted. Remove bowl from over water and stir until white chocolate is melted and smooth. Cool white chocolate mousse base to room temperature.

Beat remaining 2 2/3 cups cream in large bowl until firm peaks form. Divide whipped cream between both mousse bases, folding in 1 cup at a time (about 3 cups for each).

Layer scant 1/4 cup lemon mousse in each of 8 parfait glasses or wineglasses; top with 2 tablespoons strawberries. Layer scant 1/4 cup white chocolate mousse over strawberries. Repeat layering 1 more time.

Spoon strawberries over top of each parfait, if desired, and serve.