Showing posts with label lemon curd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lemon curd. Show all posts

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!  






Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Eleven Candles! Where did the time go?



My daughter, Anita, turned eleven last Friday.  Eleven!!  I can hardly believe it.  She is at the age where she's still a child, yet almost a teenager.  Yikes!  I wish there was a pause button I could press, so I could hold on to her for just a while longer.  I want her to be a child for as long as she can.  I want to protect her and keep her safe at all times.  But, of course, I am slowly letting her go, allowing her to grow, and mature into the wonderful young woman I imagine she'll be. 

Until then, I am going to cherish and savour these last few childhood years.  I won't take for granted tucking her in bed every night, kissing her goodnight, and hearing her tell me she loves me (at least three times) before she falls asleep. 


Anita asked if I could bake her a lemon layer cake with lemon curd
filling, so of course, I did.  Really, is there anything better than a
home-made birthday cake?  To me, a store bought cake, no matter how
beautiful it may look, cannot compare to a home-baked cake, as it is made
with so much love and care for that special person in mind.



I can tell she's getting older when she says no to chocolate and
 asks for lemon, instead!




I baked these rainbow chip cupcakes for her girlfriends party the next day!

Can you see the rainbow chips?  I frosted the cupcakes with vanilla
butter cream and decorated them with tiny synthetic roses



The birthday room at Creative Cafe where all the girls got to pick their own
pottery to paint 



Anita picked a donut shaped piggy bank



Annabel chose a bird to paint



And my niece, Emily, chose to paint a flower shaped jewelery box



After the girls painted, we had pizza, sang happy birthday, and
had cupcakes!





The pieces the girls (and Nuno and I) painted, had to stay at the cafe to
be glazed and fired.  I will be picking them up as soon as they're ready and
delivering them to their creative artists.  I can't wait to see what they look like!