When life gives you lemons, they say, make lemonade. But what about when life gives you the freshest lemons from Azure Standard Food Co-op and farm-fresh eggs from your own backyard? The answer: whip up a batch of homemade lemon curd! There’s something truly special about transforming these simple ingredients into a decadent spread that can elevate any dish, from breakfast to dessert. Come summer time I crave the fresh sunny taste of lemon but in the dead of winter this treat is a reminder of the warm sunny days to come. Join me as we embark on a culinary journey to create a tangy and vibrant lemon curd that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Sourcing the Ingredients:
The journey to creating the perfect lemon curd begins with sourcing the finest ingredients. Azure Standard Food Co-op is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality organic produce, and their lemons are no exception. Vibrant in color and bursting with flavor, these lemons are the star of our recipe. Paired with farm-fresh eggs from my homestead chickens, we have the perfect combination of freshness and quality that will ensure our lemon curd is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Recipe:
Making homemade lemon curd is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key ingredients and a bit of patience. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– 4-5 fresh lemons from Azure Standard Food Co-op
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Begin by zesting and juicing the lemons. You’ll need approximately 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice.
2. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
3. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, creating a makeshift double boiler. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
4. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Once thickened, remove the bowl from the heat and gradually whisk in the cubed butter until melted and incorporated.
6. Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or zest.
7. Transfer the lemon curd to sterilized jars and allow it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor:
With our homemade lemon curd ready to go, the possibilities are endless. Spread it on toast or scones for a delightful breakfast treat, swirl it into yogurt for a burst of citrusy flavor, or use it as a filling for cakes, tarts, and pastries. I like to slice a pound cake in half and spread the lemon curd in the middle like a big lemon curd sandwich. The bright and tangy taste of fresh lemons is my version of sunshine in a jar.
Creating homemade lemon curd using lemons is a rewarding experience that celebrates the beauty of simple, wholesome simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture. So why not roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on your own lemony adventure? Your taste buds will thank you!
