Cloud-Like Lemon Mousse: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Dessert & Fun Picnic Guide
Imagine a dessert so light, so airy, yet bursting with vibrant citrus flavor – a cloud of lemon bliss that dances on your tongue. This is our divine lemon mousse, a truly heavenly treat that lemon enthusiasts will adore from the very first spoonful. Beyond its irresistible taste, it’s also a dream for planning ahead, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. Serve it elegantly in stemmed glasses for a sophisticated dinner party, or, as we love to do, portion it into charming mason jars or recycled jam jars for an unforgettable summer picnic adventure. Join us as we share not only this incredible recipe but also our best tips and a complete menu for hosting a “Fun & Games” picnic – an ideal way to create lasting memories with family and friends, whether in a sprawling park or the comfort of your own backyard.
Summer is synonymous with picnics, and even as the season draws to a close, there’s always an opportune moment to gather your loved ones, pack delectable food, and head to a scenic park or picturesque outdoor spot for some shared laughter and good times. Recently, we reunited with our favorite picnic collaborators, Nicoletta and Loreto from the blog SugarLoveSpices, for an incredible “Fun & Games” picnic at Emily Murphy Park in Edmonton. As food bloggers, the joy for us lies in crafting a portable, mouth-watering menu that’s as practical as it is delicious. We combined our outdoor games collection, loaded our vehicles, and set off on a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon, ready for a day of culinary delights and playful competition.
To create a cozy and visually appealing picnic spot, we laid down a beautiful vintage quilt, protected by an old plastic tablecloth underneath to shield it from any dampness on the grass. The quilt’s bright pastel hues inspired our choice of cheerful melamine dishes, soft linens, and elegant serving pieces, adding a touch of charm to our outdoor dining experience. We brought an assortment of colorful cushions from our homes, transforming our chosen corner of the park into a supremely comfortable haven, perfect for lounging, feasting, and enjoying the company of good friends.
Our Ultimate FUN & GAMES PICNIC MENU
Creamy Radish and Chive Dip with Crusty Baguette Slices
Hearty & Colourful Veggie Turkey Wraps
Fresh Nectarine Tomato Salad with Feta & Pecans
Light & Tangy Lemon Mousse in Jam Jars with Fresh Berries
Crispy Crunchy Nut Meringue Cookies
Hydrating Watermelon Rose Agua Fresca
The Perfect Picnic Menu: Savory Bites & Our Signature Lemon Mousse
This thoughtfully curated picnic menu is a true ode to the bounty of summer, celebrating fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Each item has been selected not only for its deliciousness but also for its practicality: every dish travels exceptionally well, is delightfully easy to eat outdoors, and, crucially, can be prepared entirely ahead of time, minimizing stress on picnic day. The simple, cream-cheese-based Radish & Chive Dip is a refreshing blend of fresh, light, crunchy, and creamy textures. It’s wonderfully versatile, perfect for spreading on slices of crusty baguette, pairing with your favorite crackers, or serving as a vibrant dip for an assortment of fresh vegetables.
Our dear friends Nicoletta and Loreto masterfully prepared the satisfying Colourful Veggie Turkey Wraps. These wraps feature delicious layers of thinly sliced deli roast turkey, mild havarti cheese, and a delightful crunch from julienned carrots and shredded red cabbage, all rolled snugly in wholesome spelt wraps. A hint of mayo and a handful of lightly dressed mixed salad greens complete these flavorful bundles (feel free to substitute with your preferred gluten-free wraps). Their vibrant Nectarine Tomato Salad is another highlight, bursting with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the tangy zest of fresh nectarines, savory feta cheese, and the delightful crunch of pecans. To quench our thirst on that beautiful day, we sipped on freshly made Watermelon Rose Agua Fresca, an incredibly hydrating and fragrant beverage that perfectly complemented our meal.
For the grand finale, we indulged in this most exquisite Lemon Mousse. Its individual portions, prepared in empty jam jars, made transportation to the picnic effortless and ensured everyone had their own perfectly chilled dessert. To elevate the experience, I brought along some of my stabilized whipped cream in a small Tupperware container, along with a generous bounty of fresh berries straight from our garden. We added these delightful toppings at the picnic site, customizing each mousse just before serving. To accompany this lemony delight, I also baked a batch of my crisp Crunchy Nut Meringue Cookies (recipe coming soon!).
As we savored each spoonful, conversation momentarily hushed, everyone lost in a moment of pure culinary bliss. We scraped up every last bit of that wonderfully tangy lemon mousse, its fluffy, creamy, and silky-smooth texture melting on our tongues like air. It delivers an intense lemon flavor, sure to satisfy even the most ardent lemon lovers, yet its bright puckering zest is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. This harmonious blend makes it utterly addictive, compelling you to reach for spoonful after glorious spoonful until none remains.
This is truly a killer lemon mousse, and its straightforward preparation only adds to its appeal. What I particularly love is its incredible versatility – it can be elegantly presented in fancy stemmed glasses for a refined after-dinner dessert or conveniently packed into empty jam jars, making it effortlessly portable for any outing. It’s definitely a recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire!
Unleashing the Fun: Engaging Activities for Your Picnic
After indulging in such a delicious spread of food and refreshing drinks, it was time to energize and get moving! We enthusiastically worked off our meal with a lively session of running, jumping, competitive games, and a healthy dose of playful craziness. Incorporating activities into your picnic is a fantastic way to bond, laugh, and make the most of your outdoor time together, creating dynamic and memorable experiences for everyone involved.
When planning your “Fun & Games” picnic, select outdoor games that are both easy to transport and well-suited to your chosen picnic location. Always be mindful of other people in the park and choose activities that can be enjoyed without disturbing others. A smart tip: keep an eye out for these games during end-of-season sales to stock up for next year’s adventures! Here are some excellent game ideas to get you started:
- **Badminton:** A classic for all ages, great for some gentle competition.
- **Croquet:** A strategic and surprisingly competitive lawn game.
- **Frisbee:** Simple, versatile, and endlessly entertaining for casual throwing or ultimate frisbee.
- **Bocce Ball:** A relaxed yet engaging game of skill, perfect for varying terrain.
- **Ladderball:** A fun toss game that combines skill and luck.
- **Cornhole:** Another popular beanbag toss game, easy to set up and highly addictive.
- **Scoop Ball:** Great for developing hand-eye coordination and keeping active.
- **Ring Toss:** A traditional fairground game that’s fun for everyone.
- **Horseshoes:** A classic outdoor game that’s both challenging and rewarding.
For even more interactive fun, consider organizing a group water fight (don’t forget towels!), playing classic games like tag, flag football, or soccer. You could also arrange nostalgic races such as sack races, egg & spoon races, or three-legged races. If you prefer mental challenges, divide into teams for group games like Charades, Pictionary, or a friendly round of Trivial Pursuit. These activities guarantee laughter, friendly competition, and a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors.
For picnics with children, it’s always a good idea to bring along extra activities to keep them entertained and engaged, especially after the main group games have wound down. Consider packing bug nets (easily found at dollar stores) and jars with perforated lids for bug collecting (remember to release the critters before heading home!). Pool noodles and beach balls offer endless fun for easy batting and volleying. Bubbles, along with a variety of bubble-making wands, are always a hit. For quieter moments when energy levels dip, crayons and coloring books, simple crafts, beloved books, or portable board games can provide peaceful enjoyment. These thoughtful additions ensure that everyone, from the most energetic little ones to the adults, has a wonderful time throughout the entire picnic.
Back to Our Tasty Lemon Mousse: Essential Ingredients & Simple Steps
Creating this irresistible lemon mousse requires just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps. You’ll begin by softening a bit of unflavored gelatin in cool water. Next, you’ll combine sugar, vibrant lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and egg yolks to cook a smooth, simple lemon curd. Once the curd is perfectly cooled, gently fold it into some softly whipped cream. Spoon this fluffy, zesty mixture into elegant fancy dishes or conveniently into clean jam jars. After a period of chilling, you’ll be rewarded with a luscious, bright, and perfectly set lemon mousse, ready to delight.
- Unflavored Powdered Gelatin: Essential for setting the mousse. Use standard packaged gelatin (like Knox® brand) or a more economical bulk option from specialty food stores.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness to the tart lemon, enhancing its bright flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt: A tiny pinch elevates all the flavors, bringing out the best in the lemon.
- Fresh Lemons (4 to 5): You’ll need the zest of one lemon for aromatic depth and enough juice to measure ⅔ cup (160 ml). Opt for organic lemons if possible, especially when using the zest.
- Large Egg Yolks (4): These contribute to the richness and velvety texture of the lemon curd base. Remember, you can save and freeze the egg whites for other recipes!
- Whipping Cream/Heavy Cream: Forms the light, airy body of the mousse. You’ll need 2 cups (480 ml) for the mousse itself, plus a little extra for an optional garnish when serving.
- Fresh Berries: Your choice of fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, strawberries) are an optional but highly recommended topping, adding color, freshness, and a burst of complementary flavor.
This recipe yields 8 generous servings, ensuring there’s plenty to go around. And the best part? Any extra portions will keep beautifully for 5 to 6 days in your refrigerator, providing a delightful little stash of treasures to treat yourself with whenever a craving strikes!
Creative Ways to Utilize Leftover Egg Whites
Don’t let those extra egg whites go to waste! They are a fantastic ingredient for many delightful recipes. Here are some wonderful ideas to put them to good use:
- Strawberry Meringue Pie: A sweet and fruity pie topped with a cloud of fluffy meringue.
- Angel Food Cake: A light, airy, and fat-free cake, perfect for any occasion.
- Classic Pavlova: A delicate meringue dessert with a crisp crust and soft, marshmallowy interior.
- Lemon Coconut Mini Pavlovas: Individual portions of pavlova with zesty lemon and tropical coconut flavors.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pavlova Cake: A beautiful layered dessert combining the sweetness of strawberries with the tang of rhubarb.
- Pumpkin Spice Pavlova: A seasonal twist on the classic pavlova, infused with warm pumpkin spices.
Embrace the Outdoors: Picnic Time is Always the Best Time!
We truly hope this guide has inspired you to step outside, bask in the sunshine, and perhaps even inject a little friendly competitive gaming into your next outdoor adventure! For more delightful recipes and an even broader collection of photos from our fantastic picnic day, be sure to hop over to our friends’ blog, SugarLoveSpices. They’ve got even more deliciousness waiting for you!
Looking for even more inspiration for your next outdoor meal? Explore our other picnic features for a wealth of great recipes and creative ideas:
- Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches and a Perfect Afternoon Tea Picnic: Elegance meets convenience with these classic sandwiches, ideal for a refined outdoor gathering.
- Gluten-Free Sausage Rolls and a Glorious Autumn Picnic: Enjoy hearty and satisfying gluten-free sausage rolls amidst the beautiful colors of autumn.
- Homemade Tomato Soup and a Late Fall Picnic by the Lake: Warm up with comforting homemade tomato soup during a cozy late fall lakeside picnic.
- Gluten Free Victoria Sponge Cake and a Lovely Summer Afternoon Tea Picnic: A classic British cake, made gluten-free, perfect for a quintessential summer afternoon tea picnic.
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This lemon mousse recipe has been slightly adapted from ‘American Girl Tea Parties: Delicious Sweets & Savory Treats to Share’ by Weldon Owen.
Lemon Mousse
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet/7 g) unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- zest of one fresh lemon, finely grated (approximately 2 to 3 teaspoons)
- ⅔ cup (160 ml) fresh lemon juice (typically from 4 to 5 medium lemons)
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold whipping cream or heavy cream plus additional whipped cream for serving, if desired
- 2 cups (1 pint/225 g) fresh mixed berries of your choice, optional for topping each individual mousse serving
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the measured water. Evenly sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the surface of the water and allow it to sit undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the gelatin has visibly swollen and softened.
- To the saucepan containing the softened gelatin, add 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar, the fine sea salt, finely grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and the egg yolks. Whisk all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously with a whisk or rubber spatula, until the gelatin has completely dissolved and the custard begins to thicken slightly, just enough to coat the back of a spoon. It’s crucial not to let the mixture come to a boil, as this can cause the egg yolks to curdle. This cooking process typically takes between 5 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat immediately. Allow the lemon custard to cool down completely to room temperature, stirring it occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. To expedite the cooling process, you can place the saucepan into a larger bowl that is half-filled with ice water, taking care not to let any water splash into the custard.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the 2 cups of cold whipping cream along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until the cream forms soft, luscious peaks. Once the lemon custard is completely cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream using a silicone spatula. Continue folding until no streaks of custard remain and the mixture is uniformly light and fluffy.
- Carefully spoon the prepared lemon mousse into 8 individual parfait glasses, elegant stemmed dessert glasses, or clean, empty jam jars. Cover each serving tightly with plastic food wrap or their respective lids. Transfer the mousses to the refrigerator and chill them until they are fully set, which will take a minimum of 3 hours, but preferably overnight for the best texture.
- To serve this delightful dessert, garnish each chilled mousse with an extra spoonful of freshly whipped cream (if desired) and a generous portion of your chosen fresh berries. Enjoy the refreshing tang and creamy texture!
Notes
For picnics or events where you need to transport the lemon mousse, divide it into 8 clean, empty jam jars or small mason jars (approximately 1 cup/250 ml capacity), filling them two-thirds to three-quarters full. Secure them with their lids. Pack any extra whipped cream and fresh berries in separate containers to add just before serving.
Alternatively, for a family-style presentation, the lemon mousse can be poured into a large decorative bowl and spooned out for individual servings.
This recipe for stabilized whipped cream is an excellent choice for packing along on a picnic, as it holds its shape beautifully.
Any leftover lemon mousse portions can be stored, refrigerated, for 5 to 6 days, offering a delightful treat throughout the week.