Monday, January 31, 2011

Homemade Lemon Curd


Once you learn how to make things yourself, buying it in the store just seems silly.

Like this past summer when I dabbled in jam making... I loved the whole process of canning your own jams and jelly and now you should see our fridge. I had to start writing down flavor combinations because we ran out of space and I don't have enough friends to give the stuff away to. 

Same goes for this Lemon Curd.. who knew curd would be so easy? A few weeks ago I actually made Mango Curd (a post to come soon) and was so happy with the result that I had to try this Lemon Curd... I can only imagine what's coming next.

This lemon curd was an integral part of a birthday cake brainstorm and I used the left over in last month's Daring Bakers' Challenge.

The cake will be coming later this week...I hope you'll be able to survive the anticipation.


Lemon Curd
Recipe from Joy of Baking
Makes 2 jars

3 eggs
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 TBS lemon zest
3/4 cup sugar
4 TBS butter

Whisk eggs, sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
Over medium heat, cook until mixture thickens and reaches 160 degrees with candy thermometer (about 10 minutes)
Remove from heat and sieve for lumps.
Cut butter into small cubes and whisk into warm mixture.
Add zest and allow to completely cool before using.

Happy Baking! 

34 comments:

Emily Malloy said...

I agree with you twelve times over! Once you learn how to make it yourself, a little guilt sneaks up when you even THINK about purchasing it in the store!

egbkid said...

I have never had lemon curd, i think i might try it. Approx. how many lemons were needed? I was thinking of making some apple sauce tonight, might make this instead!!

happywhennothungry said...

Wow this lemon curd looks delicious! I've never tried making my own, but it's so easy I def have to try now!

Belinda @zomppa said...

I love lemon curd! Thanks for the recipe - wouldn't mind to have this on hand.

Roxan said...

Evan, it's so funny that you post this! My mother in law just gave me a bunch of lemons from her tree and I was thinking yesterday that I should make some lemon curd with it. Thanks for the recipe! <3

Victoria said...

I've made lemon curd once, and then later lightened it with whipped cream as a filling for a cake, but I do recall it being WAY easier than I ever thought possible! It's such a great idea to make and serve in place of jams on biscuits, etc. Especially now during citrus season :)

Pretend Chef said...

I couldn't agree with you more about your statement of once you learn to do it yourself it seems silly to ever go back to store bought. I've never dabbled in canning although I would really love to do so.

Georgia (The Comfort of Cooking) said...

This is such an easy idea and a wonderful thing to have on hand! I bet someone would love to receive this as a gift, too. Thanks for sharing, Evan!

Angela@RecipesFromMyMom said...

Can't wait to see your cake. I used to make my own lemon curd but haven't in quite some time. This is the push I need to do it. Thanks!

Cake Duchess said...

Lemon curd is so good and yours looks delicious Evan:)I have got to try out your recipe. I have some very pretty lemons and maybe that is what I will do with them:)Hope you are having a nice beginning of your week!

sara @ CaffeIna said...

I went through the same thing: once I made homemade lemon curd I thought "I will never ever buy it again!" it's so easy and so much better. Great job on this one...I guess it's the right time to make great lemon curd.

Wichita Falls Foodie said...

Your site is BEAUTIFUL! I have a feaw recipes that call for lemon curd, now I can MAKE it! Thanx for the share! And I Love lil Wichita Falls, just moved here from Las Vegas and am happy for the change!

Magic of Spice said...

I love this, and I love lemon curd...
Never tried to make my own.
Fantastic :)

Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels said...

Oh how I love lemon curd. Yours look sooo good and now I want to make some! I can't wait to see your post about the mango curd, it sounds delicious! :)

Annie said...

I've never made my own lemon curd but it looks so easy! This would be great in little tarts. Is it safe to can in a water bath with the butter in it? I would think the acidity of the lemons would make it so.

Evan @swEEts said...

@egbkid- I used about 3 large lemons, but it would depend on the size really. Hope that helps a little

@Annie- I think it would be okay to can this.. I've never canned curd, but some jams have butter in them as well. Google never fails me with questions like this :)

Marly said...

Lemons in January is quite a nice break from winter. Thanks!

Marisa said...

Fresh, tangy lemon curd is amazing. I used to make it when I worked at a restaurant. This sounds like a really easy recipe too. Looking forward to seeing the cake!

BakingWithoutaBox said...

This does look pretty easy. I will have to try that! Looking forward to the mango curd. That certainly sounds like summertime come early.

Amy at TheSceneFromMe said...

I love lemon curd and could eat that whole jar with a spoon...or my finger!

Kate @ Diethood.com said...

I also enjoy making my own - from jellies to curds! I make lemon curd pretty often - especially in the winter because it reminds me of summer :)

blackbookkitchendiaries said...

i've always love homemade lemon curd, it's really delicious..and your version sounds so good. thanks for sharing this.

julie @ rosy + tart said...

Oh wow, I never realized making lemon curd was that easy. Looks like I have something else to try out... :)

Mary said...

This is so beautiful and such a welcome entry. I really need a good recipe for lemon curd. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

Monet said...

Hi sweet girl! I can't believe the cold we are having right now! Yuck! But there is nothing like some bright and flavorful lemon curd to make the winter blues melt away! Thank you for sharing sweet girl. I'll write you a longer email in the morning :-) Many hugs! Stay warm!

danasfoodforthought said...

If you need more friends to take some of these treats off of your hands just let me know ;)

Brandie@thecountrycook said...

I am just a lemon fantatic -you have no idea!! I have never made my own lemon curd before. I really have got to try it!! :)

egbkid said...

I made this Monday night and it turned out great!!! I wrote about it on my blog and linked to yours; thank you for sharing, i can't wait to use my lemon curd in a recipe!!

Barbara Bakes said...

I'll look forward to your cake filled with your scrumptious lemon curd!

baking.serendipity said...

I've never made this before, but love the idea of doing so :) I didn't realize just how simple it was!

Trish said...

I've never made lemon curd but I love how it looks so easy. I'll keep this in mind. Thanks :-)

Jason Phelps said...

I just made some of this recently as well. I haven't used it yet but I have high hopes for when I do!

Jason

Joy said...

This looks great. Good job.

Indonesian In Turkey said...

Some lemon curd post make me eagerly make one, and yours is sssoo tempting more! ^_^