This beautiful lemon ice cream cake is from Amy Thielen’s new book, Company. She calls it lemon nemesis because it combines three of her personal temptations into one dessert: a salted butter-cracker bottom, lemon custard middle and swirly toasted meringue topping. It is perfect to me for so many reasons, not the least of which is the chance to whip out my trusty blow torch!
My brother and his family were visiting from Boston, so my niece and nephew got in the kitchen with me and we made a dessert worthy of the occasion. Amy’s book is all about the art of having people over to share a meal or a delicious lemony dessert. It was a hot day so making something that spent time in the freezer instead of the oven was key.
Using a blow torch for the first time is a right of passage, which I had the honor of ushering my niece into. Her dad (my little brother) watched, with a bit of amazement and probably knowing this day was inevitable at my house! Amy’s book is the perfect guide for every occasion, even a girl’s first lesson in proper meringue torching.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Amy was so kind to share the lemon ice cream cake recipe from her book. Thank you, Amy!
Giveaway
[GIVEAWAY CLOSED! Congrats to Marco and Megan, our two winners!] I’m so excited to give away two copies of Company! To enter, comment below and tell me about your favorite recipe to make when you have company over. Must be 18 years of age to enter with a US address. Contest ends Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. We’ll contact the winner via email. You must respond to claim your prize within 48 hours or we’ll select a new winner.
Ingredients
Cracker Base
- 2 sleeves butter crackers like Ritz (about 7 ounces)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Lemon Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 6 large egg yolks save the whites for the meringue
- 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice from 9 to 10 lemons
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons vodka preferably lemon vodka
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into slices
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 to 3 drops lemon extract optional if you used lemon vodka
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
Meringue Topping
- 6 large egg whites reserved from the filling
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- A hefty pinch of fine sea salt
- 3 drops lemon extract optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325℉. Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with a thin coating of neutral oil.
- For the base, grind the crackers to a fine dust in a food processor, or put them in a heavy plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Combine the cracker crumbs, melted butter, and maple syrup in a medium bowl and mix quickly to moisten the crumbs. Scatter the crumbs across the bottom of the baking pan and gently press down, pushing them into the corners with the blade of your hand.
- Bake the cracker base until you can smell it toasting and it has turned an even shade of almond brown, about 12 minutes. Remove from the oven.
- Fill a large saucepot with a few inches of water for a double boiler and bring it to a simmer; make sure the bottom of the mixing bowl will hover above the water, not sit in it. Combine the eggs and yolks, lemon juice, sugar, and vodka in a large metal mixing bowl and whisk immediately to prevent the yolks from clumping with the sugar, then set the bowl over the simmering water. Cook, slowly stirring with a rubber spatula in a figure eight, until the mixture thickens into a custard that holds the trail of the whisk and measures 150℉ on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and whisk in the cold butter, then cool the mixture over a bowl of ice water, stirring occasionally, until cool. Stir in the condensed milk and lemon extract.
- Meanwhile, whip the cream in a large bowl to soft peaks. For the creamiest custard texture, the whipped cream should be floppy, not stiff.
- Before you get to the final assembly, clear a flat, level space in your freezer to hold the baking pan so that the custard will freeze evenly.
- Fold half of the whipped cream into the lemon mixture to lighten it, then add the rest, folding it in until incorporated. Immediately pour the lemon filling into the cooled crust and spread it into the corners. Hustle the pan into the freezer to harden. After the top begins to freeze, press a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper against the surface of the filling to protect it from odors. (If planning to keep this in the freezer for any length of time, you may also want to double-wrap the pan in plastic wrap.) The lemon filling needs to freeze for at least 6 hours to be stiff enough to cut, but freezers vary. (The lemon nemesis can be prepared to this point up to 2 weeks in advance.)
- Right before serving, make the meringue topping: Combine the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, vinegar, salt, and lemon extract, if using, in the bowl of a stand mixer or another large metal bowl and set over a pot of simmering water (the bottom of the bowl should not touch the water). Heat gently, whisking, until the egg white mixture feels uncomfortably hot to the touch, measuring about 150o F, about 5 minutes. Attach the mixer bowl to the stand, or use a hand mixer, and whip the egg whites on medium- high until the meringue looks glossy and thick and holds stiff peaks.
- Spoon the meringue topping across the surface of the cake and smooth with an offset spatula or a pie server. If the cake has been frozen for days, transfer the cake to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to gently thaw enough to slice.
- Just before serving, brûleé the meringue with a blowtorch.
- To serve, slice the cake into large squares. I generally divide it into 15 servings—rows of 5 divided by rows of 3—but you can serve any size you like. Lift out each piece with a pie server and transfer to serving plates. (If you have any difficulty prying the crust from the pan, pass the bottom of the pan over a hot stovetop burner to loosen the bottom crust.) If there happen to be leftovers, press a piece of plastic wrap against the cut surfaces and return to the freezer.
Profiteroles!
My favorite dessert to make for company is Mom’s Chocolate Cake from Food & Wine magazine. It is such a comforting dessert!!
This recipe looks incredibly delicious. I can’t wait to try it! I have so many meals that I love to share with friends and family. Lasagna, grilled salmon, venison stew, and wild rice soup to name a few. All these meals are served with delicious artisan breads made from your recipes! For dessert, any cheesecake, beehive cake, or key lime pie are all favorites. Thanks for spreading the love of baking!
Key Lime Pie is my favorite dessert to make and serve to guests. Thank you for the chance to win.
Lemon Nemesis looks delicious but I probably would make with someone since it may be tough for me to do alone. As for favorite dessert dish to serve–any fruit galatte–fruit changes with the seasons. Jersey Peaches right now!!
Lemon Nemesis looks like a yummy new recipe to try, specially if you love lemon! When having company for dinner, I like to prepare Chicken Francese because it’s easy and delicious . . . and a classic Tiramisu for dessert. Good luck, everyone! 🙂
Hello, this Lemon Nemesis looks fabulous! I love to make delicious, super-fudgey brownies served with iced cream. It’s simple but a crowd pleaser! Amy’s new book looks great!
If it’s summer and I’m having people over we are for sure having a fruit tart (galette?) for desert. Otherwise there would be a riot.
Thank you for sharing this! My favorite thing to make for company is a Chocolate Caramel Tart sprinkled with Maldon salt. Recipe from Claudia Fleming. Delicious!
Hi Zoe, This is right up my alley, love lemon. I make mini lemon tarts, mini cheesecakes with raspberry coulis, pumpkin cheesecake, creme brûlée, and so much more. I love your program, so nice to see a fellow Minnesotan.
My friends request my Chicken Oscar with garlic roasted smashed potatoes and Midnight Magic Chocolate Torte . They are always a hit.
Love lemon, and this looks so rich and delectable.
For company it depends on what the meal was, I’ve done poached pears in a pastry topped with caramel sauce., to the comfort of apple crisp with ice cream. My husband has made cheese cake and crème brûlée in the Sous vide. ( delicious)
That looks so good. I love lemon tarte – I ate it every day when we were in Paris. I’ll have to try this!! For company in Fall I love to make stuffed pumpkin. With ground turkey, lots of herbs, spices and roasted cashews. It’s so good.
At this time of year, one of my favorite recipes to make for company is apple crisp, my Mom’s recipe, served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
While I don’t have a specific recipe that I like to make for friends and family – I love to bake and, often it’s something lemon as it’s light after a (typically) bigger meal. This will definitely be my next dessert for friends as it looks delicious and couldn’t agree more on the favourite inclusions of lemon and meringue!
For company a delicious poundcake. For me it’s the black dress of desserts.
I have not made the Lemon Nemesis dessert yet so I cannot rate it. However, I plan to give it a go.
My favorite dessert to serve company is crème brûlée! Simple because it’s made ahead, but with the added drama of the TORCH!
My new favorite to make for company for dinner are lamb loin chops. They are so effortless and elegant. I like to make a port/cherry reduction or a harissa sauce to go with them and serve with some kind of beans, chick peas or vinegar marinated butter beans… for dessert, I like pies.if I have time though, and it’s a big crowd or holiday, I’m all about the looks. I like to go big, make something you’ll eat with your eyes.
Hi Zoe, I love your recipes! They are so creative and visually appealing! My favorites to serve guests are your no-knead breads, I have tried many of them and they are all so easy and come out delicious!!! Nothing like the smell of bread baking to welcome hungry guests!!! Quick and easy cheesecakes are always a great light way to finish a superb meal!!
My favorite recipe for our guests is chocolate eclair cake or homemade ice cream. Can’t go wrong with either. Our guests love them both.
I think my favorite dessert to make for company would be a lemon posset. Anything lemon really tops my list.
My favorite recipe to make is carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
LOVE to make a good pot of bean and veggie chili and skillet of cornbread – comfort food with the comfort of friends and family, it’s like a big hug in food formation!
This lemon dessert looks mouthwatering Must try but don’t have a torch. I will have to talk my husband into that one. My favorite dinner for company is homemade pasta with meatballs and homemade sauce, or I like to make lobster ravioli with a lemon cream sauce. I love cooking and baking. I do it everyday so I am always coming up with new ideas for meals. I usually bake 2-3 times a week. Always trying something new.
Brownies and snickerdoodle blondies are good standbys for everyday company. I like to mix it up when the occasion is more formal. However, I LOVE anything lemon so I can’t wait to try this recipe!
I haven’t tried the Lemon Nemesis yet but it’s on my list to make soon.
I love citrus desserts and when I need to make a dessert for company, I rely on my Key Lime Cake recipe. I found the recipe in my copy of Steven Raichlen’s Miami Spice cookbook and have been making this cake for nearly 30 years. It’s a delicious pound cake with a key lime and sugar glaze that subtlety adds sparkle to the cake.
I absolutely love your show. I look forward to my Sunday mornings and inspiration from whatever desserts you whip up for that episode.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Depending on the season, I love to make a rhubarb crisp, peach cobbler, chocolate cake or a key lime cheesecake.
This looks like a good reason to finally use my kitchen torch!
For company, I love to make this chicken thigh, potato, garlic and lemon sheet pan dish. My father-in-law loves it and so does any other dinner guest I’ve made it for.
My favorite dish to serve my guests is ribs! They literally fall off the bones!
Whenever we had Company; a cake , specifically one involving lemon and coconut was a nonnegotiable menu item. My great aunt left me her recipe and over the years I have experimented with the base , lightening and adding a bit of mystery to it. But one thing that never changes is the intake of breath as it comes to the table, followed by outstretched hands seeking their own bit of history.
In Fall, I love to bake an apple bread pudding. The apples are sautéed with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon before flambéing with bourbon. I make it with cinnamon swirl bread and top it with granulated sugar to create a sugar crust. Word of caution – don’t try to rush the development of the sugar crust by browning it under the broiler because you may get a flash of fire in your oven!
Thanksgiving is my favorite meal of the year..for the food and the company. We host a potluck for 20-30 friends and family. There are always two turkeys (one in the oven and one deep fried). We have butternut squash lasagna for the vegetarians. Every year the potluck contributions are different and every year the feast is amazing.
My favorite entree, especially for guests, is from Gourmet magazine published in the 1980’s (?) It’s Moroccan stew loaded with vegetables and flavor.
Right now dessert is Paul Prudhomme’s sweet potato and pecan pie.
This looks so good! I’m adding it to my list of must-trys! My favorite thing to bake for company is always cake! Cheesecake, layer cake, sheet cake, Bundt cake, etc. I love to bake/serve/eat it all!
My go-to recipe is for company is my Aunt Ginger’s Carrot Cake. It is favorite of everyone. Among friend’s and family is it now famous. Not uncommon for friends to ask if “Aunt Ginger’s Carrot Cake” is on the menu — it now has its own brand in my circle.
Your chocolate chip cookies are always a winner!
When we have company I love to make a fruit pie-apple, peach, whatever is in season.
I love to make anything with seasonal fruit. Whether it be fruits of the summer, stone fruits, figs or apples and pears. Cobblers, crisps, or stewed or macerated over a pav…
In the fall I love making an apple cake with homemade caramel ice cream for my guests. I can’t wait to make this luscious lemon dessert!
This looks amazing. My favorite dessert for company is a Mississippi Mud Cake from an old Moosewood cookbook. It has coffee and booze in it and is a deep chocolate experience, makes the house smell great when you make it.
You had me at “lemon”!
I have loved reading all these comments and the inspired women in this community.
I am all over making this for our next company get together ( before Summer really ends).
My favorite dessert to prepare for a gathering, hands down is @zoebakes pavlova! I top it with lemon curd, fruit , piles of fresh whipped cream and when I can, organic flowers.
Thank you Zoe, for finding a beautiful way to bring women together!
My favorite meal to make for company is homemade pizza! It’s tons of fun and we all work together to make our own individual pizzas!
My favourite dessert to make for my guest is basque cheesecake simple yet delicious:)
Congratulations on being one of our winners, Marco! Your cookbook will ship out soon. Cheers!
Beef roast with carrots and potatoes slow roasted in the oven all day
My favorite thing to make guests are cookies or mini cheesecakes!
This lemony dessert looks delicious!
I love keeping it simple when I have company over! Going into fall now; I love making chili! Because who doesn’t love coming over and smelling chili cooking in the crockpot!!
CANNOT wait to try this recipe. Lemon desserts are my go to and I am always on the lookout for new ones.
I love to do a make your own sundae bar when people come over. Make some hot fudge and whipped cream and put a bunch of other fun toppings in little bowls and people love it!
This book looks amazing. And the torch right of passage video was super cute. As to desserts that I bring out for company, the one that has gotten the most praise has been a gluten free, lactose free tres leches cake made with oat milk in the cake, cajeta for the filling and coconut milk for the soak. People just kept going back for more, even the one who’s “not a dessert person.”
When Company is coming I make thumbprint cookies with either caramel or raspberry filling. Everyone loves the sweet buttery cookies no matter what the filling
What a beautiful cake! My favorite thing to make when others come over is pizza!
I like to make individual mandarin souffles, the classic Neiman Marcus Cafe recipe. It can be a side dish with salad or brunch, or a dessert, and it can be made ahead.
I love making Korean food for company! Triple coconut cream pie is always a hit too.
My favorite recipe for company is vegetarian lasagna. The recipe from America’s Test Kitchen Vegetarian Cookbook is very good.
Lemon pies are my weakness. Can wait to bake this one!
I’ve tried many of your cakes; my favorites are Chocolate Zucchini and Carrot. When I’m short on time I usually opt for Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Vanilla Ice-Cream.
I also love lemon desserts as the tree in my backyard bears almost 100 Meyer lemons each year. Looking forward to trying Lemon Nemesis!
Right now the favorite recipe are “Brookies” Hal brownie half chocolate chip cookie in one big bar cookie! Seems most gatherings are centered around family with a sea of 9 yr old boys!!!
My favorite is a 6 flavor pound cake with a boiled almond glaze that goes on while it’s still warm in the pan. Simple but dense and moist. So much better the next morning.
Beef stroganoff was always my company meal. Now it’s pulled or shredded meat or chicken. If we aren’t grillin’, it’s all about tacos or burritos. Spicy salsa. Ha ha meat loaf for dad. Always. No
My favorite is a 6 flavor pound cake with a boiled almond glaze that goes on while it’s still warm in the pan. Simple but dense and moist. So much better the next morning.
Beef stroganoff was always my company meal. Now it’s pulled or shredded meat or chicken. If we aren’t grillin’, it’s all about tacos or burritos. Spicy salsa. Ha ha meat loaf for dad. Always.
Fruit crisp w/ oatmeal topping- blueberry, peach, apple, pear, apricot, rhubarb or some combination served w/ fresh whipped cream (assisted by any young or young at heart guest that get to lick the beaters clean). Brownies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies or at this time of year chocolate zucchini cake also. Thank you so much for sharing your joy in baking!
I love to make a Tex mex feast of fajitas on the griddle with all the fixin’s and a pitcher of frosty margaritas. Smitten Kitchen’s chocolate peanut butter cake is usually for dessert!
When the weather is cooler/cold, I like to serve homemade soup. A favorite is Sweet Potato Chile. It has a little kick to it but isn’t too spicy.
Looks delicious! I don’t really have a go-to recipe for when company comes over, rather I tend to use the occasion as an excuse to try something new! Not the most relaxing strategy, but fun to discover something new with friends 🙂
I love to make mini cheesecakes. You can top with chocolate or seasonal fruit. Can’t go wrong.
A carefully crafted lasagna or stuffed shells are my go-tos when having people over. They are items that can be prepped ahead and finished in the oven when guests arrive. I love how they can show care for your guests because you put time and effort in to prepare for their arrival, but you can also spend time with them since most of the hard work (and clean-up) is done.
I usually make paella or the Zuni Cafe roast chicken with bread salad. Dessert depends on who’s coming and the occasion, but the defaults are individual chocolate soufflés (if I have lots of advance notice) or apricot brownies (if I don’t).
The all-time hit for desserts was a steamed cranberry puddIng with a warm butter sauce. I served this to my book club and they loved it and ran out the door with their hair on fire anxious to try it! I feel that way about your dessert recipes. Yes, a fan of Amy’s too! Would love to go grocery shopping with her at the stores around her hometown. You two are great!, now to take on that blow torch thing!
I love making a fruit pie when company comes over and it has often been one of your recipes for peach or apple pie with a pretty lattice crust.
Chocolate mousse loaf cake with raspberry sauce is my favorite company dessert, but YOUR dessert looks mouth-watering!
My mom’s apple crisp is my favorite dessert to make in the fall. But I’ll be breaking out the blowtorch to try this dessert for my next dinner party!
I love making “Magic in the Middle Cookies” AKA chocolate sugar cookie stuffed with Peanut Butter. They’re a real crowd pleaser! I also like making people my homemade pizza.
When I have company, I love making crab cakes, and for dessert I make Jewish Apple Cake
I will be making this. I love lemon. I love to serve brownies and ice cream or a giant chocolate chip cookie. Also 9×13 choc. cake with caramel frosting.
My problem is I am always trying new things and don’t have a “go to” for dessert. It’s whatever is in season and strikes my fancy at the time.
My new favorite is honey chiffon served with fresh berries and whipped cream. My anytime favorite is all chocolate!
We love to smoke a tri-tip when company comes!
I love to make stuffed eggplant in coconut dal for company-can be completely done day before and heated in the oven for service! Green bean salad can also be done ahead and cheesecake for dessert!
My favorite thing to make for company is key lime bars. Foolproof, delicious, do-ahead, and I always have the ingredients on hand. I hope to become a more ambitious baker as I get ready to retire from 34 years as an elementary school teacher!
I love making lasagna when company comes over so I’m not busy in the kitchen when guests are over. For dessert, no bake cheesecake or brownies are my go to! I HAVE to try this lemon nemesis recipe asap. Looks unreal!
Southern Banana Pudding w/ Swiss Meringue!! Thanks for the chance.
Hi Zoe,
My favorite cake recipes have to do with lemon or lemon and coconut. Those are my go to cakes I love love your book and have tried several things and they’re all delicious.
I like to make Flan, but I am known for my banana nut bread. Everybody’s favorite.
For our company, it always means homemade pasta. My mother would do ravioli and I would the same or lasagna with homemade spinach pasta. We do lots of very thin layers of pasta between mixed cheeses and spinach and herbs.
The lemon dessert you wrote about today is just what I am looking for. We have a few lemon trees and they are loaded with fruit which is not quite ripe yet. I am looking forward to trying the “lemon nemesis”. Don’t you just love that name?
Always enjoy Brookes lovely food photos.
Living at the beach with a rotation of overnight guests – my favorite thing to make for company is breakfast! This summer I’ve really been into Dutch babies. I’ve made strawberry, blueberry, peach and blackberry. Always with lots of fluffy whipped cream.
Thanks for sharing the recipe!! I love to make a peach/cranberries salad when we have company.
Ahhhh this look’s amaizing I like to make Tiramisu and Marrocan orange cake and many more depending on the season . I love zoebakes it inspires me ❤️ Thank You
My “go to” recipes to make for company as well as to take for any get together are Sriracha Hummus and the Salted Chocolate Chip cookies from Deb Perlman. This cookbook looks perfect for hosting ideas!
My go to favorite is a chocolate pudding, brownie, whipped cream and heath bar crunch trifle.
I love to make coconut cupcakes, cranberry upside-down cake, and chicken potpie when friends come over. Also, Lipton French onion dip + Ruffles!
I really miss when Amy had a show on TV. She was so down to earth, relatable and I loved seeing her cabin. It depends how much time I have on whether I make a tried and true dessert for company. Lately, I’ve been making lots of new recipes and going outside my comfort zone. I love to bake so I never know what might strike my fancy on any given day.
Hi Zoe! I love making bread pudding like my grandmother made with rum sauce!
Thanks for all your recipes and ideas!
My family favorite request is usually a cheesecake (lots of flavor choices there), or chocolate zucchini cake! The perfect finish to a meal of BBQ tenderloin and zucchini from the garden. There are so many recipes from Zoe on my list to try, but there are at least a dozen favorites, from the ones I’ve already baked (Chocolate Chip Cookies always make the do again vote)!
When we have company a crowd pleaser in Asian style chicken thighs with fresh green beans and coconut rice – so delicious.
My favorite for supper is a chicken salsa verde dish. It is quick, easy, healthy, and tasty. I serve it with rice or dumplings. I would love to win this book. Thanks for sharing the wonderful lemon recipe! I am excited to try it.
Thanks for the giveaway!
My family and guests love when I make peach dumplings in the summer. There is something magical about a ripe, sweet peach mixed with brown sugar and flaky pastry.
Congratulations on being one of our winners, Megan! Enjoy the cookbook!
My favorite savory dish is parmesan soufflé. Everyone loves it!
I’m not a great dessert maker but I make decent chocolate chip cookies. Although my brother in law loves lemon desserts and this one looks delicious!
I love to serve pecan pie in the winter and a meringue pie with lemon filling in the summer…I Love Your Show!!!!
This lemon nemesis looks dreamy and perfect for a summer day! I love making King Arthur Baking’s Flourless Chocolate Cake. It’s a rich, decadent chocolate cake with a chocolate ganache glaze. An easy to make dessert that be made and served same day. I love using a good chocolate for this cake such a Guittard. It’s always a crowd pleasing dessert. And you can certainly serve it alongside with fresh raspberries or sweetened whipped cream.
So much to love when serving family and friends. I love setting out homemade and boughten goodies and have a smorgasbord of fixins for ice cream. It brings out the kid in everybody.
I love to bake so anytime I get the chance to share a decadent dessert with friends I will. My favorite to bake in the fall is Martha’s Raven’s-Nest layer cake. It’s delicious and impressive too! I’m definitely going to try this Lemon Nemesis recipe.
Hi Zoe, when I have company I make Pear Clafouti for dessert. The recipe I use is in Ina Garten’s “Barefoot in Paris” cookbook. I make it each Fall as our Anjou pear tree here in Mpls. is dripping with pears! I let it cool and serve it with homemade whipped cream with a tablespoon of Mathilde Pear Liqueur added.
My fav is to use a sweet pastry base, pre-cooked. Line it with frangipane, then top with whatever fruit is available. Bake. Very versatile and so delicious for those who love almond.
My favorite dessert is my grandmother’s butterscotch pie with beautiful meringue.
I can’t wait to try this — especially as it falls neatly into the category of Things I Like to Make For Company, that being something meringue-y. Usually it’s some form of Eton Mess or a Pavlova. I need to up my blowtorch game though. I’ve never had a functioning kitchen torch so I usually stick to recipes that only require baking.
I love crisps according to the season. I froze rhubarb and berries earlier in the summer so a bumble berry crisp is in the oven. Its mostly rhubarb with 1/2 cup each of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.
Fave thing to make in the summer is chicken, corn on the cob & some kind of fruit grilled.
What a beautiful cake!!! My favorite recipe for dessert for company is Tiramisu or Fresh Fruit Clafoutis
I love making homemade bread (focaccia/sourdough) and an herby butter and Sarah Keifer’s pan-banging chocolate chip cookies!
A family favorite is the recipe my mother taught me for blueberry kuchen. She clipped the recipe from a women’s magazine in the 60’s. Its really a blueberry tart with a shortbread-like crust. After baking it to a jammy perfection it is topped with fresh blueberries for a double blueberry whammy.
This recipe looks amazing! I’m going to try it for sure! Whenever I have friends coming over for dinner I make a pavlova! That recipe from your book has a special place in my heart!
My go to dessert for company is always pie. My favorites are French silk, apple crumb and lemon meringue. I will definitely be making this desert for my next get-together.
For company, I usually am known for dessert. This past summer it was all about blueberries. Blueberry shortbread crumb warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
I love to make a chocolate layered dessert, but it’s delicious when we change it to lemon!
I frequently make salmon with mustard dill sauce with baby red potatoes and a vegetable in season. I usually make a fruit crisp because it is easy and always good with ice cream.
Wow – love this Lemon Nemesis recipe and that it’s such a great make-ahead dessert! Will probably also try it with shortbread an alternative option, too.
One of my (many) favorites are the Olive Oil Cookies with Blood Orange Glaze (you posted these in Feb ’21 – loved the video with Henri!). They’ve been devoured by even the most conservative of palettes that aren’t typically swayed from the standards. The OO flavor imparts a depth of flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetened citrus of choice. Even though the dough can be persnickity, a little patience makes them just delightful, whether as dessert or as a treat with coffee or tea.
This looks delicious! I bake anything chocolate! Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake was the most recent dessert I made, but I may be persuaded to serve something lemon with this recipe!
Blueberry and rhubarb galette is always a favorite dessert to make and always a hit.
In fall I like to make a chocolate chip pumpkin Bundt cake. But the lemon ice cream cake is now marked as my proposed birthday cake. Thank you!
I often will make my moms lasagna recipe with her from scratch tomato sauce! I’ve also often made your cinnamon braid with jam and it’s always loved
For company, I like to make either a quiche or a pecan tart.
My favorite dessert is a Sweet Potato Chocolate Cake, which I always brought to my high school Science Department as a special treat when we teachers were particularly stressed out. Perked everybody up and brought us all together between classes. I recently retired and this is one of my fondest memories!
This looks great Zoe, but could you remove the lemon cake from the freezer to the fridge in the morning and add the meringue topping, and then just brulee before serving. I can’t see having the time to make and pipe the meringue on at the last minute in the middle of a dinner party.
My favorite recipe for company is actual a meat marinade! It’s so easy and versatile. Goes with chicken, pork and beef. If it’s casual company, I’ll use chicken and use flank steak if it is a more special event. For desserts, I usually experiment with something new each time. I love anything lemon so this ice cream cake would be a perfect addition. The only thing I make on the regular are cookies and brownies!
My favorite company-is-coming-over dessert is my version of chocolate chip cookies, which are a family/friend favorite. I always make enough to send some home with everyone!
For company I always make croissants and a frozen lemon mousse to accompany anything I decide to make for dinner.
Recipe looks delicious and I cannot wait to try it.
Right now my favorite is your pavlova with berries and cream. I don’t remember the exact name, however I do know my family devoured it in 15 minutes. On another note your chocolate chip cookies are in huge demand from my grandteenagers.
It’s hard to pick just one recipe but I make a mean Spaghetti and Meat Sauce that I learned to make in Italy. Everyone requests that when they come to visit. I also make it with meatballs!
Lemon nemesis—looks delicious. I’ll have to buy a blow torch
Pavlova is my go-to for company. They look pretty impressive and my technique gets better with every guest visit!
When we have company over what I serve depends on the season. In the autumn it’s usually something apple, such as French Apple Pie with cinnamon ice cream or Apple Dessert Cake with caramel sauce. In the winter especially around Christmas it’s likely Cranberry Cake with brown butter sauce. Spring and summer are about whatever is in season; Rhubarb tart, pie, or dumplings. Strawberry shortcake, or Fresh berry pie. Then when peaches are at their peak it’s Grilled Peaches with vanilla Mascarpone and Salted Caramel Butter Sauce. Now my mouth is watering and my stomach is growling!!
Your hot chocolate cake is one of my favorites, everyone else’s too. For dinner, beer can chicken with a Tuscan rub on the grill.
My go to recipe for dessert is chocolate cream pie. I first made it when my daughters were small and it was a huge hit with all the kids and is still requested for birthdays and special dinners. (Kids are now 35 and 30). It’s a Cooking Light recipe so the fat content is a bit reduced and that makes the adults happy. Except, I have to top it with real whipped cream, so that may actually negate any calorie savings. But. It is so worth it!!
One of my favorite meals to serve guests is Champagne chicken with a nice salad and Bailey’s Irish cream torte.
The lemon dessert looks great, can’t wait to try it.
If I am having company – and if I have time – I love to make Mixed Berry Pavlova.
It is always a big hit although never as good as the one you made for a special birthday party last year! YUM!
My favorite thing to make for company is banana pudding. Especially in the summer when I don’t want to use the oven. This cookbook looks fantastic! As does this dessert I am definitely going to make soon.
My favorite company recipe for summer is peach crisp! I’m in Colorado and our peaches are amazing. My house smells fantastic and crisp is such a warm hug!
Of course, in about a month my favorite will be apple crisp!
Hi Zoe! My favorite dish to make when we have company over is Musakhan, a traditional Palestinian dish. It’s delicious, filling, and appeals to many different taste palates, including kids (they love it!).
This looks delicious! I love the fancy piping you did with the meringue! My favorite dessert for composure is a lemon semifreddo. No bake, make in advance and so very impressive. But so easy!
I can’t wait to make the Lemon Nemesis. In Florida a cold dessert is always welcome.
I like to make French Cream , pound cake and top with strawberries, if it is a heavy meal. I also love Peach and ginger cobbler with vanilla ice cream
My favorite desert in the summer is, strawberry pineapple cheesecake. No baking involved.. light and fluffy, and always requested by everyone. I would love to try your lemon nemesis, my favorite flavor. I seem to have a little trouble, with meringue, so hoping to get some good tips. Love the show, I’ve learned a lot.
When we have company, I love making a giant lasagna! And for dessert, I alway whip up your Pavlova, it’s truly the best!
This is the most delicious sounding and looking cake I have ever seen in a long time.
Can’t wait to make it.
Keep your delicious recipes coming.
I love making your carrot cake for dessert. It always gets the excited reactions we love, and almost everybody asks for seconds and for cake to take home! I always make a double recipe. The best carrot cake I’ve ever had.
My favorite company dessert is a fruit crisp using fruit in season. Always delicious and can be made ahead. I use your rhubarb crisp recipe for the crispy topping part and use almond flour if I have a gluten free guest.
My favorite dessert to share when i have company over is a corn layer cake.
I like to serve some kind of chocolate cake when company comes!
what a delightful recipe.
thank you for sharing.
it looks delicious and yummy.
the final images have my mouth watering!
my favorite dessert to serve company
depends on my mood,
really.
today it would probably be…
mango pie!!!
mmmmmmmmm!
I’m loving your Coconut oatmeal rum raisin cookies to have ready to bake for company! Amazing!
Love a new lemon treat,thanks for sharing.
I love to serve chocolate cream pie, mostly so I can have a piece the next day for breakfast.
In the fall, I make a pear and apple spicy upside down cake with honey in the caramel. It’s perfect for Rosh Hashanah.
Really, really, really want this recipe for next week. Can you post a link?
Rachel
My favorite dessert is Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cake. I would love to win this book! Thank you!
The Lemon Nemesis sounds delicious! Recently we made Jello Jigglers on a whim and that has been my go-to for gatherings with kids.
It really depends on the season but one of my go-to recipes is always brownies with a good vanilla ice cream.
I have a great tiramisu recipe I use which works great, no baking involved. It is a great “pick me up” with coffee and Kailua.
I like to make trifle bc it can be made in advance and it looks so pretty, all the layers visible in the glass trifle dish! Most of the ones I’ve made have berries of some sort in there but I’ve been wanting to try making a Black Forest version with maybe a boozy cherry for the holidays…Do you have a great recipe for lady fingers or cake that you like to use for trifle?
Pie! There’s nothing better than a fruit pie with vanilla ice cream.
In the summer I make a type of layered cherry dessert with fresh cherries, marscapone and Greek yogurt or my aunt’s strawberry pie. Great for warm evenings. Two other go to desserts are a Boston Creame Pie Cake and a golden peach pie.
I love trying new recipes and you give the best directions!! I can’t wait to try this one.
Favorite company dessert: brownie cobbler recipe from Bon Appetit RSVP. It makes a very large pan of warm, gushy brownie. Served with good vanilla ice cream!!
Cream cheese brownies with a shortbread crust & homemade vanilla ice cream and fudge.
My favorite dessert recipe to make when I have company is angel food cake with fresh berries.
If berries not in season, lemon macarons w lemon curd
I love to make meat and cheese boards or a big batch of brownies for company!!
Zoe’s chocolate chip cookies have quickly become an easy favorite for company – especially if I can keep some in the freezer for a fast dessert (only works if my husband doesn’t eat all the frozen dough!)
My favorite recipe to make for others is a family recipe we call “chicken in a pot”. It’s just comfort food!
When I have company, I love to make chocolate chip cookies and a pot of tea, so we can get cozy and catch up. ☺️☕️
Chocolate stout cake! Always a favorite.
I love making chocolate stout cake with chocolate ganache! Or homemade fruit ice cream if it’s too hot out.
This looks delicious!!! My mouth is watering… how can I just pick ONE dessert ♀️ but I will tell you when my brother in law comes over he is always looking for the dessert. Recently I just made a simple peach crumble with the topping with oats and walnuts … told everyone it was healthy (fruit, nuts, oatmeal and a little sugar) didn’t have any leftovers . Thank you for all the wonderful desserts and guidance you provide.
In the summer, a kahlua berry crisp with ice cream. The rest of the year whatever is seasonal and sparks my interest!
Hi Zoe,, I’ve been following you on Insta for awhile and I just read your bio. I laughed because
You and I have a similar childhood, yet, I’m still in Vermont, in Brattleboro. Did your mother put wheat germ in everything too? Haha
I am a professional pastry chef and since I opened my bakery cafe a couple years ago, I haven’t had a dinner party. As I search my memories I do believe my favorite was lasagna’s of so many types, with an awesome salad and some version of Tartes aux Pommes.
Yay Zoe , sister of the Vermont Homesteaders!
It’s very hard to choose one recipe because depending on the season and what’s available, the recipe that calls to me and brings back memories is pumpkin bars. My grandmother whom I miss so much used to make them for Sunday meals, now I make them for my family.
When having guest I go for the chocolate chip cookie icebox cake. Always a favorite. Yummy
My favorite recipe is a Baked Alaska. It is such a special treat for everyone, visual stunning and delicious! With a flexible to change the flavors so it never gets boring! It’s a dessert that your party will talk about for years! This dessert reminds me of that and so excited to give this recipe a try!
My favorite fall dessert for company and fall parties is to make pumpkin bars- recipe of my mom’s that is so tasty and loved by all.
Thanks for all your tips Zoe
Hi Cynthia
Would you mind sharing your Mom’s Pumpkin Bars recipe, need a tried and true one for this week, please! My email is: [email protected] Thank you in advance,Lisa
I love your show. My favorite recipe to make for special occasions is a Pennsylvania Dutch pie. It’s Montgomery Pie. It has a lemon syrup bottom and a cake top.
My favorite recipe to make for company is actually dinner rolls! Something very simple to make, but makes the house smell amazing and brings such an element of homemade comfort to the meal. BTW…My son loves to watch your show with me. I cherish these moments as I see how quickly he is growing! I love seeing how connected you are with your boys through your cooking as well
Lemon is my absolute favorite flavor for ANYTHING. I typically make a yummy pound cake (lemon, almond, chocolate and more!) with a sauce (blueberry, chocolate, raspberry…) for dinner party dessert. Super easy and delicious! Can’t wait to try this new lemon recipe from you! <3 <3 <3
My favorite dessert for a large gathering: scotcheroos! They are no-bake and the perfect sweet bite. My favorite for a winter holiday gathering: cardamom coffee cake. Cardamom is one of my favorite flavors and I love any excuse to use it!
Cannot wait to make this! My favorite thing to make for company is a sourdough rosemary and tomato focaccia with an olive and red pepper dipping oil. Pairs nicely with a dry martini ◡̈
When I’m having Company I love to make a cream cheese pound cake. I found the recipe in a local womens auxiliary cookbook I bought at a charity auction years ago. You can make it ahead(it even taste better) and it good for morning coffee and also for desert!
HI Liz,
May I please have the recipe for the cream cheese pound cake you make.
I’ve been looking for a good cream cheese pound cake.
My email address is [email protected] If you wouldn’t mind emailing
me the recipe.
Thank you.
Hugs,
Teresa
I could nap in that meringue!! My favorite to serve would have to be tiramisu.
When I know company is coming I make a Bundt cake (chocolate chip swirled with a chocolate glaze or if summertime a lemon Bundt with lemon glaze).
I always have homemade chocolate chip cookies in the freezer for unexpected visitors or children. A few seconds in the microwave and a little bit of heaven!
“Toni’s Poundcake” by Maida Heatter is a go to for me.
My favorite dessert for company is either southern banana pudding if baking is not I the cards or chocolate cake when it is! Love you, Zoe!
Hi Zoe!
This looks delicious—is there a substitute for the vodka?
Thank you!
This recipe looks amazing! Beautiful cookbook,too.
For company, I love making penne alla vodka, pulled pork, your Devil’s food cake/cupcakes, and vanilla bean cheesecake.
Oh my! My pride and joy recipe to make when any guest comes over is my Peach-Cobbler Cheesecake w a dark chocolate drizzle! Is dreamy, rich, and satisfying to the tastebud.
My favorite recipe is a fruit one (usually cherry but I use the frozen ones when I HAVE to have that flavor anytime if year) in the summer and a chocolate (oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are MY FAVORITE but I can eat these anytime if the year) one in the winter!!!
I love hosting Easter dinner and serving my mom’s hot cross buns, a recipe from my grandmother that came from Norway! It’s a tradition. This lemon dessert would be the perfect dessert to end the meal with!
This looks incredible! Anything with lemon is a favorite in our house. I’m excited to give it a try!
If we’re hosting company, I love to make a comforting meal that is mostly hands off after prep so I can enjoy time with our guests and the house smells amazing. Two of my favorites are a Moroccan eggplant dish by Feasting at Home and a cozy autumn wild rice soup from Gimme Some Oven served with homemade buttermilk sourdough biscuits. And, always, a homemade dessert!
My favorite dessert to make is chocolate pecan pie. Always a crowd pleaser- so decadent. But can’t wait to try this one.
I love making a spatchcock chicken season with garlic, lemon thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper with potatoes and whatever veggies are in the fridge. All cooked on the grill! For desert… my husband’s favorite French Silk Chocolate Pie!!!