(Concerto di Sapori e Profumi al Limone)

SERVES 6

This recipe is an adaptation of one given to us by Alfonso Iaccarino, who uses Sorrento lemons and leaves in his version. As you eat the lemon custard, try scraping your spoon against the inside walls of the lemon "cups" to release a little juice (and fragrance) into each bite.

6 medium lemons

FOR THE DRIED LEMON SLICES:
1 large lemon, ends trimmed, cut into 1⁄8"
   slices, and seeded
1 tbsp. confectioners' sugar

FOR THE LEMON CUSTARD:
1 cup heavy cream
1⁄2 cup milk
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tsp.)
1⁄2 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
4 egg yolks

FOR THE LEMON FRITTERS:
Extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
3⁄4 cup flour
2 tbsp. light beer
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 egg white
6 1⁄4"-wide lemon wedges, seeded
1⁄4 cup superfine sugar

6 small lemon leaves (see Citrus Surprise)

1. Trim ends off of each lemon so that lemons will sit upright. Run a sharp paring knife between pulp and rind of each lemon, being careful not to break through bottoms. Hollow lemons out with a spoon, removing most of the pulp, to make lemon cups. (Reserve pulp for another use.) Transfer lemon cups to a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

2. For the lemon slices: Preheat oven to 175°. Place lemon slices on a parchment paper–lined baking sheet, sift sugar over both sides of slices, and arrange in a single layer. Bake, without turning, until dried, about 3 hours. Set aside to let cool.

3. For the lemon custard: Put cream, milk, and zest into a small pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, put yogurt, sugar, and yolks into a medium bowl and whisk until smooth. Gradually pour cream mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return mixture to pot and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, until thickened, 5–6 minutes more. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl; set in a larger bowl of ice water to let chill. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on surface of custard; refrigerate.

4. For the lemon fritters: Pour oil into a small heavy pot to a depth of 1" and heat over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in oil registers 325°. Meanwhile, put 1⁄4 cup of the flour into a wide shallow dish; set aside. Put remaining flour, beer, granulated sugar, and 5 tbsp. water into a medium bowl; whisk to make a smooth batter. In a separate medium bowl, using a whisk, beat egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg white into batter, being careful not to overmix. Working in batches, lightly dredge lemon wedges in flour, coat in batter, shaking off any excess, then fry until golden, turning once, about 2 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to let drain; sprinkle with superfine sugar while still hot.

5. To serve, fill lemon cups with lemon custard and top with a fritter. Garnish each cup with a lemon leaf and 2 dried lemon slices. Serve immediately.