Lemon posset pots

1 Put the lemon zest, double cream and 125g sugar in a medium saucepan over a low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sugar granules have dissolved and the mixture is no longer grainy (try not to let it boil).

2 Add the lemon juice to the mixture and stir well – the cream should start to thicken slightly. Divide between 8-10 heatproof ramekins or glasses, then cool, cover and chill for at least 3 hours (or up to 2 days).

3 To make the meringue topping, put the egg whites in a mixing bowl and use electric beaters to whip to soft peaks. Set aside. Put the remaining 100g sugar in a small saucepan with 4 tbsp water. Stir to combine, then put over a low-medium heat until the sugar has melted and the mixture reaches 118ºC on a sugar thermometer (soft ball stage). When the syrup is up to temperature, pour it into the egg whites in a slow, steady stream, whisking with electric beaters all the time. Once all the syrup has been added, whisk for 5 more minutes until the meringue is thick and glossy.

4 Use 2 teaspoons to dollop a mound of meringue on top of each posset. Brown the meringue either using a kitchen blowtorch or by placing them under a hot grill for a few moments. Sprinkle with the crushed biscuits, then serve immediately