Experience Pure Sunshine: Meyer Lemon Clouds with Lemon Whipped Cream and Fresh Blueberries

Prepare to be enchanted! We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredibly talented Miri Leigh, a woman whose vibrant spirit and undeniable charisma are poised to make her the next big sensation in the lifestyle world. With pilot shows already under her belt for a cooking and entertaining series, it’s clear that her warm, engaging presence is destined for national television. Miri is more than just a culinary expert; she embodies a joy for life that is truly infectious.

From the moment you encounter Miri online, her effervescent personality radiates. This isn’t just a polite smile; it’s a deep-seated vivacity and an eagerness to embrace every adventure life offers. Her genuine happiness is palpable, especially as she embarks on a new chapter of love, bringing a delightful sparkle to all her endeavors. It’s impossible not to feel a thrill for her as she shares her journey.

Miri’s website is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration. Among the many recipes that have found a permanent place on my “must-make” list are her Pflaumenkuchen, a delectable German plum cake that I’m certain my mother-in-law would adore, despite my inability to perfectly pronounce its name. Then there’s Heidi and Jason’s Love Pie, a dessert so breathtakingly beautiful it redefines what a pie can be. Each recipe is a testament to Miri’s passion for creating food that is both delicious and visually stunning.

Today, Miri has graciously chosen to share her exquisite recipe for Meyer Lemon Clouds with Lemon Whipped Cream and Fresh Blueberries – a dessert that perfectly mirrors her bright and vibrant personality. This creation is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the joy and zest that Miri brings to every plate. Get ready to delight your senses!

Miri Leigh’s Culinary Journey and Passion for Food

It is an immense honor to be a guest contributor here on Steamy Kitchen! For those of you wondering about my story, allow me to introduce myself. Like many of you, my world revolves around food – a passion that ignited early in my life. My culinary adventures began when I was barely tall enough to reach the kitchen counter, pushing a stool against the cabinets to pull down my older sister’s forgotten 1960s Betty Crocker Cookbook for Boys and Girls. Growing up with working parents, I often found solace and creativity in the kitchen after school, baking chocolate chip cookies while my younger sister played nearby with her Barbies. This early fascination blossomed into a lifelong pursuit.

My journey led me to culinary school, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of the culinary arts. Following my formal education, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own successful business crafting bespoke wedding and birthday cakes. The intricate artistry and joyous celebrations associated with these creations were incredibly rewarding. Today, I wear many hats: as a blogger (mirileigh.com), I develop innovative recipes; I teach pastry classes, sharing my knowledge and passion with aspiring bakers; and I occasionally create (admittedly amateur!) cooking videos for my YouTube channel (miriamleigh). The exciting news is that I’ve recently starred in two pilot television projects for cooking programs, and I’m eagerly hoping for a network deal soon to bring my culinary adventures to a wider audience.

At my core, I am a “food person” – an eater, a gardener, and a teacher. My greatest joy comes from creating beautiful, delicious food and, more importantly, bringing people together around the table. Food, for me, is a powerful catalyst for connection and conversation. It fosters a sense of togetherness that enriches lives and strengthens bonds. Whether it’s a simple weeknight meal or an elaborate celebration, the act of sharing seasonal, healthy food creates cherished memories and deepens relationships. This philosophy drives every recipe I create and every class I teach.

The Irresistible Charm of Brunch: A Celebration of Connection

Another defining aspect of my personality is that I am, unapologetically, a “brunch-a-holic.” There’s something inherently magical about the concept of brunch: the bright sunshine, the relaxed atmosphere shared with good friends, an abundance of delicious food, and the glorious excuse to indulge early in the day, knowing there’s still plenty of time to work it off or simply enjoy a post-brunch nap. This time of year, there are countless reasons to host a brunch, with Easter often being the first holiday that springs to mind. However, you needn’t wait for a special occasion. Any sunny Sunday morning is the perfect invitation to whip up a hearty meal, gather your dearest friends, and pull chairs out onto the patio. This is precisely what I do whenever the opportunity arises, transforming my small space into an inviting oasis.

I reside in a tiny cottage apartment, so compact that it doesn’t even accommodate a kitchen table, let alone a formal dining area. When friends join me for an evening meal, we cozy up on the couch, utilize a couple of folding chairs, and scatter cushions on the floor, creating an intimate, if unconventional, dining experience. However, what my cottage lacks in indoor dining space, it more than makes up for with a charming garden and a lovely patio. This outdoor haven makes brunch an absolutely grand affair.

Setting a formal table outdoors, as elegant as an outdoor setting allows, is a ritual I cherish. I bring out my grandmother’s treasured silver, a symbol of tradition and cherished memories, and pop open a bottle of sparkling champagne. This creates an atmosphere of sophisticated relaxation, turning a simple meal into a memorable event. Brunch allows for a delightful blend of casual comfort and refined indulgence, perfectly aligning with my approach to life and food. It’s a time to savor flavors, share laughter, and simply enjoy the company of those you care about most, all bathed in the gentle warmth of the morning sun.

Meyer Lemon Clouds: The Signature Springtime Dessert

And for dessert, always my signature springtime favorite: Meyer Lemon Clouds with Lemon Whipped Cream and Fresh Blueberries. This dessert is the quintessential ending to any brunch, embodying everything I adore about this meal – lightness, freshness, and understated elegance. The “clouds” themselves are incredibly light and airy, almost ethereal, with a delicate texture that melts in your mouth. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and the unique, floral tartness of Meyer lemons, which are distinctively less acidic and more aromatic than common lemons. This subtle difference elevates the entire dish, providing a nuanced citrus flavor that is simply irresistible.

The dessert requires less than ten ingredients, making it remarkably simple to prepare, yet it delivers a profound impact on the palate. The velvety lemon whipped cream adds another layer of citrusy richness and creamy indulgence, perfectly complementing the light puddings. A generous scattering of fresh, vibrant blueberries provides a burst of juicy sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast, adding a touch of natural elegance to each serving. Brunch, in my opinion, just isn’t the same without these delightful Meyer Lemon Clouds. They are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of spring, a testament to simple, exquisite flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests utterly charmed.

Meyer Lemon Clouds with Lemon Whipped Cream and Fresh Blueberries Recipe

Recipe from Miri Leigh.

This recipe yields 6 delightful servings.

Ingredients for the Meyer Lemon Clouds:

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon peel
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons 2% milk at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Lemon Whipped Cream:

• 1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh, washed blueberries for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter six 3/4-cup custard cups or ramekins. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the sugar, egg yolks, flour, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well blended and smooth. Gradually whisk in the room temperature milk until fully incorporated.
2. In a separate medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites and salt until they become frothy. Slowly add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat until soft peaks form, indicating they are light and airy. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the lemon mixture in two separate additions, ensuring not to deflate the whites. Divide this cloud-like mixture evenly among the prepared custard cups.
3. Carefully place the filled custard cups into a larger roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the roasting pan to reach approximately halfway up the sides of the custard cups. This creates a water bath, which ensures even baking and a tender texture for the puddings. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tops of the puddings are golden brown and spring back gently when lightly touched. Carefully remove the cups from the water bath and set them aside on a wire rack to cool completely.
4. While the puddings are cooling, prepare the lemon whipped cream. In a chilled bowl (a cold bowl helps the cream whip better), combine the chilled heavy whipping cream, sugar, finely grated lemon peel, and fresh lemon juice. Beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
5. To serve, present each Meyer Lemon Cloud either warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Generously top each cloud with a dollop of the freshly made lemon whipped cream and garnish with a handful of fresh, washed blueberries. Enjoy this light, refreshing, and utterly delightful springtime dessert!

We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and tasting these Meyer Lemon Clouds. This recipe is a true reflection of Miri Leigh’s passion for delicious, beautiful food that brings happiness to any gathering. Do give it a try and share the sunshine with your loved ones!