Childhood Memories: Mother's Lemon Sunshine

Do you have sweet memories of childhood desserts? I don't know what made me think of this one the other day, but perhaps it would be fun to make an occasional blog presentation of our favorite desserts from childhood. Making this one was a trip down memory lane. I don't think I even made this for my kids!  I saved all my mother's recipes in my files and between my mother and grandmother, we had some awesome treats as children. The British and French often refer to them as nursery desserts. 
Lemon Sunshine was frequently on the menu, as we all loved it.  Easy to make, sweet, airy and lemony in your mouth.  I used a Meyer lemon here because I had one left over. I also cut back on the sugar. The recipe calls for a cup total, but I used 2/3 of a cup total. Taste as you go, both the lemon mixture and the egg white mixture and sweeten as you wish.

Mother's Lemon Sunshine

Ingredients:
3 eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon, grated and juiced
1 teaspoon gelatin
1/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup sugar

Method:

Soften the gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water.
Beat yolks in a small saucepan and add 1/2 cup sugar, lemon rind and juice. Whisking constantly, cook until slightly thickened. Whisk in the softened gelatin and stir until melted and thickened. Cool the mixture somewhat in an ice bath.
Beat the egg whites, beat in sugar until the whites are thick and shiny. Fold in the cooled lemon mixture. Chill. Makes about 6 custard size cups.