I had a lot of egg yolks. I made these wonderful coconut cupcakes which only used egg whites. How to use the yolks was the question. One thing I did was scramble a couple and make a sandwich using them, cheese, and prosciutto I had leftover from a pasta dish. It was a great sandwich but not one I should eat every day. Then it came to me to make zabaglione, an Italian custard.
I made Zabaglione for the first time several years ago. It was for a homemade tiramisu. We were celebrating my next door neighbor’s birthday and I cooked an Italian feast. I followed the recipe I had back then and did it all by hand. As in hand-whisking the custard as it is cooking over the simmering water. My arms were so tired and I thought it would never get done. This time I went the easy route. I used a hand mixer and it is so much better. The only thing is I made a big mess splattering it everywhere. Next time I need to use a deeper bowl.
I served the custard with blackberries. There were some really pretty ones in the store and I could not resist buying them. You can serve it with any berries, cookies, biscotti, or whatever you like to go with custard. It is made with wine so be aware of that if you have children. There may be some residual alcohol left after the cooking process. I’m not a culinary scientist so I cannot verify it for sure.
How do you use extra egg yolks? I would like more ideas and inspiration of what to do with them. I do not like to waste food so any tips would be great. I’d like to know for the next time I cook or bake something that calls for only egg whites. Plus it will give me a new cooking adventure. I do love to try new things.
Zabaglione Italian Custard
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup sweet Marsala wine
- Pinch of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
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Bring about 1 inch of water to a boil in a saucepan.
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In a large heatproof bowl, add the egg yolks and sugar. Beat using an electric mixer on high speed until mixture is light and the sugar is dissolved, about 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl during mixing to incorporate all the sugar.
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Add the Marsala, salt and nutmeg to the bowl. Lower the heat to the saucepan to bring the water to a simmer. Place the bowl over the simmering water. Make sure water is not touching the bottom of the bowl. Beat mixture on medium speed for about 13 minutes, until it is thick, about triple in volume, and registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove bowl from pan. Add vanilla and beat to combine.
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Serve immediately or chill completely before serving. Serve with fresh berries, biscotti, or your favorite custard topping or add-in.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for zabaglione, an Italian custard made of egg yolks, sugar, and Marsala wine. It is served warm or chilled with berries, biscotti, and more.
Recipe adapted from one in a Publix Grape magazine.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
March 28, 2013 at 7:03 amI need to use more egg whites so I can have more yolks for this! OMG!
Renee says
March 30, 2013 at 9:44 amThanks Jen!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
March 28, 2013 at 8:35 amI haven’t had zabaglione in a long time but it used to be my very favorite dessert to order in an Italian restaurant. I love that you added the fruit!
Renee says
March 30, 2013 at 9:45 amThe blackberries were so great with the custard. I think fruit is the best thing to serve with it. They seem to enhance each other.
SHARON HEDDEN says
May 31, 2015 at 3:11 pmHAD THIS IN A RESTAURANT LAST NIGHT. GOING TO MAKE IT WITH THE EGGWHITES.
Simonaskitchen says
March 28, 2013 at 12:04 pmBravissima!! It means very very good chef! 🙂 zabajone is not so easy to be make, because it’s easy to cook too much eggs and the result is similar to a sweet scrambled egg! I use a deep sauce pan and hand whisp ( don’t know the translation for the kitchen tool!) and use it slowly. thanx, I always like to read Italian recipes on foreignr blogs!!! Greetings from Tuscany, Simo!
Renee says
March 30, 2013 at 9:46 amThank you so much! Such a nice compliment.
Joan says
March 28, 2013 at 1:56 pmWow! That sounds good. I have to go use up some egg whites so I have an excuse to make this.
You asked for other ideas to use up egg yolks. First, did you know you can freeze them? Then, there are always Creme Brulee, and Hollandaise sauce.
Renee says
March 30, 2013 at 9:47 amOh hollandaise! Now you have me craving a steak or eggs benedict…
Purabi Naha says
March 29, 2013 at 5:32 amBookmarked. Loved the flavours in this wonderful zabaglione. Too bad that I haven’t had thisfor years. Now I want to make this for sure!
Renee says
March 30, 2013 at 9:47 amThanks Purabi! You should make it soon and enjoy it again.
[email protected] says
March 29, 2013 at 10:53 pmRenee, it’s been at least 20 years since I had Zabaglione, I think I need to find a reason to have some extra egg yolks. And soon.
Renee says
March 30, 2013 at 9:49 amOh Joan, 20 years is just way too long. I hope you make it soon.
Alison says
March 31, 2013 at 11:26 amIf I am really having a craving, or making something for a get together, I make zabaglione with the yolks and meringue with the whites, sprinkle berries over the cooked meringue, then add zabaglione at the last, you can even top with whipped cream if you really want to be decadent.
Renee says
April 1, 2013 at 12:51 pmNow that’s a great way to add a little decadence to the custard. I’ll have to remember that.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
April 1, 2013 at 10:34 pmI make ice cream! And it turns out that zabaglione ice cream (with or without chocolate shavings) is one of my favorite flavors. It´s fantastic!
Here it was made a lot when I was young. So much that the recipe is: for every one yolk measure one half egg shell each of marsala and sugar.
One of the most common uses was as a sauce for floating island, so you used the whole eggs. I need to make some soon! I´m suddenly craving it so much Renee!
Renee says
April 2, 2013 at 8:56 amThanks Paula! I will have to try the floating island. And ice cream too. So many great uses for this custard.
Katherine G says
April 2, 2013 at 10:50 amthis looks so yummy. I would love to give it a try.