You know those days where you want to be anywhere but where you have to be? Today was one of those days. All I could think about was the valuable time I wasn't spending in the kitchen. Things like hamburger rolls, tart dough, pies, and sausages were rolling through my head. Anything to get my mind away from a crappy day.
Do you zone out in the kitchen? A little time away from the computer and phone with some butter and sugar goes a long way for me. If not the kitchen, where do you let go of some stress? I'm looking for inspiration here, make it good!
It took me three go's to get the feel for curd. The first time it simply wasn't thick enough, the second time I cooked the eggs (ew), and the third time was just right. Know that however many times it takes you, it's worth it. After tasting fresh homemade lemon curd for the first time you may have to have an intervention.
Lemon Curd
from Baking Illustrated
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup juice from 2 lemons
- 2 large eggs, plus 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbs cold unsalted butter cut into ½ inch cubes
- 1 tbs heavy cream
- ¼ teas vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Preparation:
In a small non-reactive saucepan over medium heat, heat the lemon juice until hot but not boiling.
In a medium bowl whisk the eggs and yolk; gradually whisk in the sugar.
Whisking constantly, slowly pour the hot lemon juice into the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture registers 170 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer and is thick enough to cling to the spoon, about 3 minutes.
Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cold butter until incorporated; stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt, then pour the curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a small non-reactive bowl. Cover the surface of the curd directly with plastic wrap (that's right, put the plastic wrap on the surface of the curd); refrigerate until needed.
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I love, love, love lemon curd. Making my own is on my culinary to-do list.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Where'd you get your colander? I have an ivory one similar to that but it needs replacing. Super cheapo one that's cracking wah. Love that jar too. Ahhh prop envy.
Peggy says
I've only made lemon curd once, and it definitely didn't turn out as beautiful as yours! Maybe I'll give it another shot with this recipe =)
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Real lemon curd is mountains above any other preserve or store bought stuff in my opinion. There's so much you can do with it! I zoned out this a.m in the kitchen and almost missed a doc appt, :/
Mi Vida en un Dulce says
Lemon curd may be one of my favorites, it's so creamy and so fresh...!!!
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
Let me get my spoon!
Vicki @ WITK says
I always look forward to the time I spend in the kitchen over the weekends. Time just flies by as I find more and more things I want to cook! ALthough I've never made curd, wonder how many lemons I have in the fridge...
ping says
Ooooo pucker, pucker! I destress in the kitchen a lot! Big stress, little stress ... it's a nice place to be, even just poring over the recipe books.
I'd eat this straight up!
diane says
OMG. You will have to let me know when you make this!!!! You know I have a lemon problem. I don't have any other bad habits - just lemon.
Stress relief - the batting cages. Smack some baseballs or play some air hockey!! Riding horses is the best as long as it is not too hot!!
Belinda @zomppa says
You always know how to make me HUNGRY!!
Cakewhiz says
i just bought lemons last weekend. i guess we both know what i will be making with them 😉