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Lemon Bonet

17/11/2023

Lemon Bonet is a traditional Piedmontese dessert, typically made with cocoa and amaretti cookies. The lemon variation is a less common but equally delicious twist that infuses the dessert with fresh citrus aroma. Here’s how to prepare a Lemon Bonet.

Ingredients

  • 500 ml of whole milk
  • 4 eggs
  • Grated zest of 2 organic lemons
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 150 g of sugar plus a little more for caramelizing the mold
  • 100 g of dry cookies or crushed amaretti biscuits
  • A pinch of vanilla or a teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Preparation

  1. Start by caramelizing the sugar directly in the mold where you will cook the Bonet. Pour a little sugar on the bottom and heat it over medium heat until it melts and becomes a golden caramel. Rotate the mold to distribute the caramel evenly on the bottom and sides, then set aside.

  2. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the grated lemon zest until it is almost boiling. Then turn off the heat and let it infuse for about 10 minutes.

  3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy. You can do this step by hand or with an electric mixer.

  4. Add the crushed cookies, vanilla, and salt to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well.

  5. Strain the milk to remove the lemon zest and slowly add to the egg mixture, continuing to stir. Also add the lemon juice and mix until you get a homogeneous mixture.

  6. Pour the mixture into the caramelized mold. Cover the mold with aluminum foil.

  7. Cook in a water bath in a preheated oven at 160 °C for about 1 hour or until the Bonet has set but still has a slight wobble in the center if you shake the mold gently.

  8. Allow to cool completely then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

  9. To unmold, run a knife blade around the edges of the mold and invert the Bonet onto a serving plate.

Curiosity

The name “bonet” comes from the Piedmontese term for “hat,” which seems to have been the original shape of the mold used for this dessert. It is thought that this sweet was first prepared by chefs serving the noble families of the region and then became widely spread among less affluent families as well.

Enjoy your meal!

Lemon Bonet