Can I Make The Lemon Gem Biscuits In Advance?

Our answer

Nigella's Lemon Gems (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) are buttery shortbread-type biscuits that have an indent in the top that is filled with lemon curd. Because lemon curd needs refrigerating, you would need to make the biscuits in advance without the lemon curd filling. You can make and bake the biscuit base 2-3 days ahead and store the biscuits in an airtight conatiner. Fill each indent with a blob of lemon curd just before serving and make sure that you use a lemon curd that is thick, so that it sits in the indent without running out.

The baked biscuit bases can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw on a wire rack at room temperature for around 2-3 hours befofre filling with lemon curd and serving. Alternatively, if you have time to bake the biscuits on the day, you can freeze the unbaked biscuit dough. Form the dough into balls and put on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment (parchment paper). Freeze until solid, then transfer to resealable bags and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake direct from frozen following the recipe method as the baking time will be about the same. Fill each indent with a little lemon curd and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Leftover biscuits will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days but they may soften a little when you store them.