Do I need sugar for zabaglione?

Question

I want to make zabaglione and think that the taste could benefit if I sweeten it with honey instead of sugar. But I am not sure whether the sugar crystals have a physical effect on the fluffing up. Can I do it, or will it be flatter without the sugar?

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 30 '11 at 22:18

3

Honey, for me, makes zabaglione terribly heavy. However, you can buy Crumiel, a dehydrated honey product from the Texturas line by Albert and Ferran Adria. My understanding is that it can essentially be used as a substitute for sugar while retaining the honey flavour.

answered Mar 30 '11 at 22:18

Nice, I'll try this thing someday. For now, I used sugar, but substituted the dessert wine for Grand Marnier to get a new taste. – rumtscho Mar 31 '11 at 09:48

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 30 '11 at 22:04

I've tried this before and found it made the custard heavy and a little too sweet (even though I didn't add as much honey as sugar). I don't think the crystals assist in the "fluffing up" process, but I think the lighter weight keeps the mixture light yet creamy.

Do I need sugar for zabaglione?

2 Answers2