When life hands you a crate of lemons what do you make? I reflected on this question recently, since I was handed a crate with 100 lemons. They were leftovers from a middle school outing in which I participated as a kitchen assistant. Aside from spending time with my daughter and her class in beautiful Mendocino, this crate of lemons was a highlight of the trip. For me, 100 lemons are far more than leftovers – they are a gift.
The first recipe I tackled was Lemon Curd, one of my favorite food products. Lemon Curd is delicious as a garnish with fruit, meringues, cakes and breads. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and also freezes beautifully. I like to make my curd especially lemony, and manage to slip in an entire cup of freshly squeezed juice, as well as a heaping tablespoon of zest. I prefer to keep the sugar content on the conservative side so that the citrus can sparkle.
6 lemons down, 94 to go.
Lemon Curd
Makes about 2 cups
8 large egg yolks, whites reserved for another use
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
Combine egg yolks and sugar in a heavy noncorrodible saucepan and whisk together. Add sugar, lemon juice, butter and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. As the butter melts continue stirring until the curd begins to thicken. Do not let the curd boil; if it begins to give off steam, briefly remove pan from heat, stirring constantly. Once the curd thickly coats the back of a wooden spoon, strain the curd through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl and cool. The curd may be refrigerated up to two weeks, or frozen up to 2 months.
That’s an INCREDIBLE number of lemons to end up with. I can’t begin to imagine what I’d do with that many… but as corny as it sounds, lemonade would certainly be on the cards! Lemon curd is lovely 😀
Lemonade is a great idea, too!
I love fresh lemon as a finisher to meals I’ve prepared. Certainly on fish, chicken and salads but a squeeze over soup and even some pastas takes the dish to the next level.
İt looks so good!
iza:)
Oh wow I’d have so much fun with that many lemons. Love the lemon curd recipe. I’ve got some to use up. Are those meringue cups in the top photo? Thanks for the link!
Ooh…I’ve always wanted to make my own lemon curd. I wonder if you can make orange curd? I have a bunch of oranges I need to use.
Absolutely! It just won’t be as tart as lemon.
These photos are fabulous! Are those little meringues you’ve placed a dollop of curd in? Beautiful. And I too love lemon curd. It’s sooo versatile.
Ok, I NEED the recipe for those little cups, too! I’m doing a baby shower in a few weeks and those would be so beautiful on the table!