Monday, January 20, 2014

My Recipe for Homemade Lemon Curd



Two years ago, I made my first ever batch of lemon curd.  I instantly fell in love with its lemony tart, yet sweet taste, and its creamy texture.  My husband and my eldest daughter are big fans and once in a while request that I make it.   Lemon curd is delicious served as a spread on crumpets and scones, or used as a filling between the layers of a simple sponge cake.  

Last Friday, I made a double batch of lemon curd and took pictures along the way, so I could show you step-by-step how to make it.

The recipe is for one batch, which will yield approximately 1 1/2 cups of lemon curd.  I doubled the recipe when I made it on Friday.  You can, too, if you plan on sharing!

Ingredients

1 tbsp lemon zest
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted


Directions

Before you begin, allow lemons and eggs to come to room temperature.


First, grate the rind of one lemon to yield one tablespoon of lemon zest.  Set aside.


Squeeze 2-3 lemons until you have 1/3 cup of lemon juice.  Using a small strainer, strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.  Set aside. 


In a small pot, whisk eggs (3) and sugar (3/4 cup) till blended.  


Place small pot inside a larger pot containing one inch of simmering water and continue to whisk over medium low heat.  Add the lemon juice, zest and melted butter, whisking all the while, for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.


Remove thickened lemon curd from heat and pour into mason jar(s).  Allow to cool completely, seal and refrigerate for up to seven days (if it lasts that long!).


I doubled the recipe and was able to fill three mason jars (1 cup each).  I decorated the jars with baker's twine and a homemade label to make them look pretty.  I brought one for my parents to try.  It was their first time eating lemon curd and they really enjoyed it.  If you're a fan of lemon, I am sure you will love this too!  
It's so easy to make and just delicious!  






16 comments:

  1. How lovely your lemon curd looks in the adorable jars! Such great packaging for a yummy treat to share. As you know my family loves lemon curd also. I still have a little left in the refrigerator that wants to be added to some scones for our afternoon tea. Have a great afternoon! xoxo ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Martha Ellen! Enjoy those yummy scones and tea! xoxo

      Delete
  2. It looks really beautiful. I can't say I like lemon curd (or lemon bars) but my favorite cupcake has passion fruit curd inside which I LOVE. I rarely see passion fruits but when I do they're very expensive and so I think it would cost a bundle to make that, so I've never tried but I'd love to. Maybe you could try piping some of your lemon curd into cupcakes and then making a lemony buttercream on top. ♥

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Nancy! If you aren't a fan of lemon desserts, I guess you wouldn't enjoy lemon curd. Love your idea of piping the lemon curd into cupcakes! I may have to give that a try sometime soon. :o)

      Delete
  3. Lemon curd has to be one of my most favorite treats in the world! I love it on scones, on crumpets, in cake, on muffins, and occasionally right out of the jar (but don't tell anyone : ) Once I baked it in Pillsbury crescent rolls. It was SO good! I'm so glad you posted your recipe! It looks really easy and so delicious. I love your jars and cute labels too! What a nice gift to give!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me, too, Danielle! Shhh! I lick the spreader and spoon, too! I can see how baking the lemon curd into crescent rolls would be a real treat!! Thanks for sharing that little tid-bit! :)

      Delete
  4. Hi sweetie! I make lots of this too...I love lemon in any form and curd is one of the nicest! It also works brilliantly with blood oranges & looks so pretty, like a sunset! So glad that your Mum & Dad tried it too...those jars look so pretty! Love to you xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello sweetheart! I've never tried making orange curd before! One of my girlfriends, Debs, who lives in Wales, told me about St. Clements curd. Is that something similar to the orange curd you speak of? xoxo

      Delete
  5. I love Lemon Curd, and also Orange or Lime too! What lovely, clear instructions you give, and it all looks so prettily presented too. I don't think I've seen such cute and dinky Mason jars before. Re: comment above, St Clements is Oranges and Lemons combined {as in the nursery rhyme~~Say the Bells of St Clements}
    Waving From Across The Pond~~
    p.s. I love your header photo. So crisp and clean looking, and so seasonal too. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Waving right back at you from this side of the pond! Thank you for clarifying about the St. Clements curd. I'm glad you like the header photo. I hope to update the header photos as the seasons change. xoxo

      Delete
  6. Yes, I am a fan of lemon curd but I haven't made this for years. Your pictures are so beautiful that I must try making it again. I love how you tied each jar with pretty twine and added a little label which makes it even more special.
    Audrey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Audrey! I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment. If you like lemon curd, I am sure you will love this recipe!

      Delete
  7. Hi Rosinda,
    I made your recipe for Lemon Curd yesterday afternoon and followed your instructions exactly. It turned out so good! This will now be added to my recipe box with your name on the top right hand corner. This is something that I have done for years when friends would share a recipe with me. It has become a wonderful reminder of good times spent with friends over many years.

    I started my happy jar and had to go back over January to fill in my 'happy' scraps of paper. It's wonderful to see these little bits thrown in the jar and I also included a few hearts in there just for good measure. lol.
    Many thanks from,
    Audrey.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Audrey,
    I am so glad you enjoyed the lemon curd! I feel very honored to have my name added to your recipe box. Thank YOU so much for stopping by to let me know! Also, congrats on getting your happy jar started! May you fill it to the brim with love and happiness. Looking forward to seeing you here again soon! xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm going to try and make this recipe; I've tried several, but this looks so simple, and if you love it, I know I will, too!!! xoxo Joann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should really try it, Joann! Everyone who's tried it, really enjoyed it. I am sure you will too! xoxo

      Delete