Lemon Meringue Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

Lemon Sugar:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest from two medium to large lemons

Lemon Meringue Hot Chocolate:

• 1 large egg, separated
• 3 teaspoons lemon sugar
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) chopped white chocolate
• 1 cup whole milk
• Good pinch of kosher salt
• Pinch of cornstarch

Optional additions:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

Make Lemon Sugar:

1. In a small bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Crush them between your fingers until well combined and the oils from the zest infuse the sugar. Store in a sealed container for a couple of days.

Make Lemon Meringue Hot Chocolate:

1. Combine egg yolk and lemon sugar: In a small pot, combine egg yolk and 2 teaspoons lemon sugar.
2. Add chocolate, milk, and salt: Add chopped white chocolate, milk, and a pinch of salt to the pot.
3. Heat and whisk: Set the pot over medium-low heat and whisk until the mixture is warmed through, steaming, and the chocolate is completely melted. Do not allow it to come to a boil. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
4. Make meringue: Add egg white to a bowl. Add two teaspoons of lemon sugar and a pinch of cornstarch. Whisk well with a hand-held electric whisk until glossy and stiff peaks are achieved. Avoid overwhipping.
5. Assemble hot chocolate: Pour hot chocolate into a large glass or mug. Spoon meringue over the hot chocolate.
6. Optional: Burnish meringue: Use a kitchen torch to burnish the meringue. If you don't have a kitchen torch, place the mug(s) on a baking dish and set it under the oven broiler. Watch closely and remove the baking sheet as soon as some color is achieved.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the lemon meringue hot chocolate.
• For a richer texture: Use heavy cream instead of whole milk.
• For a sweeter taste: Add an extra teaspoon of lemon sugar.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Meringue Hot Chocolate!