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Make Lemon Curd

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Lemon Curd, A Great Dessert Spread

Lemon curd is a very easy preserve to make and it is delicious, much nicer than you can buy in the store. It is my favourite spread and this recipe is one I've used for about 30 years.

Homemade lemon curd should be kept in the refrigerator and used within a month - it doesn't keep as well as jam or marmalade. This isn't usually a problem. In my experience it gets eaten very quickly and there are always requests for more.

Picture: Homemade Lemon Curd
Copyright © Kochtopf - Creative Commons License

Make Lemon Curd

The Lemoniest Spread You'll Ever Taste

How to Make Lemon Curd



Ingredients
4 lemons - grated rind and juice only
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups (500g) white sugar
4oz (100g) butter

lemon curd
Lemon Curd
Copyright © MusicalLinguist - CC License

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Method
1. Sterilise three one pound glass jars or several smaller ones.
2. You need either a double boiler with the water in the bottom simmering or a basin in a pan of simmering water.
3. Put all the ingredients in the top of the double boiler or basin in water.
4. Stir until, first the sugar dissolves, then until the mixture thickens until it's a thick dropping consistency. This takes less than 10 minutes.
5. Strain the lemon curd into the warm, prepared jars and then seal and label the jars.

TIP: Keeping the Jars Warm

I always put sterilised, glass jars at the bottom of the oven on the lowest heat setting while the lemon curd is cooking. That way, they are very warm but not so hot they will crack.

How to Use Lemon Curd

Great on Cakes, Scones or Spread on a Slice of Bread

Lemon Curd Tart with Fresh Citrus Salad and Ice Cream
Copyright © /thegirlsny - Creative Commons License


In the UK, lemon curd is usually spread on bread, toast or scones instead of jam. It can be used as a filling in layer cakes like Victoria Sandwich Cake or a filling in a tart, maybe with a cookie crumb base. You can also decorate the tops of cakes and desserts with it.

Layer Cake with lemon curd filling

Layer Cake with Lemon Curd and Jam Filling between Layers
In the Public Domain by Scheinwerfermann

An Affordable Double Boiler

With Good Reviews on Amazon

If you don't often use a double boiler, then you don't want to spend too much money on one. Yes, you could take up my suggestion of a pan with a basin in it but it's not as easy to use as one of these. For one thing, the bottom of the dish is closer to the source of heat on an electric or gas hob. With a double boiler, the mixture is raised right above the heat source.

Of nine people who gave reviews on Amazon.com, seven gave it five stars. One of those said, "I have never double boiled anything and this product leads me to believe it's easy because I was able to melt my chocolate effortlessly and cleanup was a breeze. I love the sturdiness and yet it's so so light at the same time. I would buy more pots from this brand and style." - K. Hardy.

Granite Ware 1.5 Quart Double Boiler

Granite Ware 1.5 Quart Double Boiler

Amazon Price: $13.74 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

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"We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors

and furniture polish is made from real lemons."
Alfred E. Neuman

Recipes for Lemons

Some Delicious Lemon Desserts

Get wonderful recipes for lemon desserts this book from Lori Longbotham, former Gourmet magazine editor. The 70 recipes included in the cookbook range from lemon tarts to ice creams and sorbets, and include cakes, cookies, beautiful desserts, and many more lovely treats.

In her Amazon.com review, Jean Galton gives the book 5 stars and says, "Between the terrific recipes, gorgeous photos, and very entertaining prose, this is one of those cookbooks that you read from cover to cover. And then, you run out to buy lemons."
Luscious Lemon Desserts

Luscious Lemon Desserts

by: Lori Longbotham, Alison Miksch, Chronicle Books LLC Staff

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

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Make a Lemon Curd Tart

Using a Pastry Shell

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More Recipes for Lemons

All Delicious and Refreshing

Lemons are such a refreshing flavoured fruit and, if sweetened correctly, make some very yummy desserts and drinks as you can check for yourself by trying these recipes.
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Please Help Children

Who Can't Help Themselves

Imagine a child who has never tasted a delicious lemon dessert. Imagine a child who never gets enough to eat let alone the treats we take for granted. We are so lucky so we should not only count our blessings but help those children who desperately need all the help they can get. That's where Save the Children comes in - helping children at home and around the world. Please give what you can because every little helps.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us

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