Lemon Puddings with Granny Smith Apple Compote

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 Granny Smith applespeeled
• cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 vanilla bean
• split lengthwise and seeds scraped
• 1 tablespoon Calvados or apple brandy
• 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• Salt

Instructions

1. Make the Pudding In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar and cook over moderate heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until hot and the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
2. Let cool slightly, then whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice and a generous pinch of salt.
3. Pour the pudding into six 5- to 6-ounce glasses or ramekins; cover tightly with plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate the puddings until well-chilled and set, at least 6 hours or overnight.
5. Meanwhile, Make the Compote In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water and cook over moderate heat, swirling the pan until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes.
6. Continue to cook, brushing down the side of the pan with a wet pastry brush, until an amber caramel forms, 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Add the apples, orange juice and the vanilla bean and seeds; the caramel will harden, but it will melt again.
8. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are crisp-tender and coated in a light caramel, about 8 minutes; discard the vanilla bean.
9. Stir in the Calvados, lemon juice, orange zest and a pinch of salt.
10. Let cool completely, then refrigerate until chilled.
11. Meanwhile, Make the Compote Serve the puddings topped with the apple compote.