Tasty Tools: Lemon & Key Lime Curd

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Tasty Tools: Lemon & Key Lime Curd

I just found out in January that I love lemon curd. Who knew!?! I had never eaten it let alone made it prior to the DB Lemon Meringue Pie. When Joelen announced her new blogging event, Tasty Tools, I instantly thought of lemon curd. This event encourages you to use the specified tool to create anything you want. Then when the round-up occurs, you can learn some new recipes to make using your various kitchen tools. Very creative event Joelen! The inaugural tool is the microplane/zester.

I love my microplane. Right now the only things I really use it for is to zest citrus fruit. I can’t wait to see the round-up to learn all the creative things that other food bloggers do with their microplanes.

I decided to make lemon curd again, but I didn’t want to cheat the event by just recreating a recipe I’ve already tried. So I decided to try a new recipe. I also decided to make lemon curd and key lime curd this time around. I made a 1/2 batch of lemon curd and a 1/4 batch of the key lime curd.

I used this calculator to get my grams to cups conversion.

Lemon Curd – from Cherrapeño – originally from Delia Smith
grated zest and juice 4 large juicy lemons
4 large eggs
12 oz (350 g or 1 3/4 cup) golden caster sugar
8 oz (225 g or 16 Tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small lumps
1 level dessertspoon (2 tsp) cornflour

Begin by lightly whisking the eggs in a medium-sized saucepan, then add the rest of the ingredients and place the saucepan over a medium heat. Now whisk continuously using a balloon whisk until the mixture thickens – about 7-8 minutes. Next, lower the heat to its minimum setting and let the curd gently simmer for a further minute, continuing to whisk. After that, remove it from the heat.

Now pour the lemon curd into the hot, sterilised jars, filling them as full as possible, cover straightaway with waxed discs, seal while it is still hot and label when it is cold. It will keep for several weeks, but it must be stored in a cool place.

Better than Store Bought, Condiments, Dessert, Other

2 comments »

8 Responses to “Fotography Friday”

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Joelen — January 3, 2009 at 3:10 pm

This is such a great idea… and for those who are considering purchasing a DSLR, this will prove to be very helpful too!
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Steph — January 3, 2009 at 5:42 pm

I’m in! I have a Canon Rebel. At one point in time, I’d read most of the manual concurrently with a digital photography book. (yeah, I’m nerdy like that) I found it only helps to know where to change the setting if you know the affect will be on your photo. I can’t wait to brush up and learn some new tricks!! Great idea!
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Amy Kingman — January 3, 2009 at 6:20 pm

This is a great topic! The flash is so frustrating. Do you want people to share about equipment and hacks that have to do with the flash? I have found that various ways of diffusing/bouncing the flash has the biggest impact on my photos.

As far as your food photos go, have you considered constructing a light box out of white foam core and a couple clip lights? It would allow you to take your photos even at night but still feel bright and cheery! Just an idea. 🙂
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Jen — January 3, 2009 at 6:35 pm

Amy – feel free to post about whatever you want. The point is to share what you’ve learned about how to make the flash work for you. I’d love to hear what you do when you use your flash.

I have considered a light box. I had one on my Xmas list 🙂 I’m just worried about storing it in our tiny condo. For now, I just wait for daylight but I would like a light box in the future.
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Amy Kingman — January 3, 2009 at 6:41 pm

Totally understanding the lightbox storage concerns. I’m thinking that I’m going to get some white foam core from the store today and play with making one that breaks down easily into a flat stack. I’ll post my experiment. 🙂
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Jen — January 3, 2009 at 6:43 pm

Yea Steph said she was going to make on today. This is the one I had on my Xmas list. I still might get it since it folds up.
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Amy Kingman — January 4, 2009 at 1:29 am

Ok, I made a collapsible version of the light box today with your situation in mind. 🙂 Can’t beat that nylon one you’re looking at, but for $6 this one does a pretty good job! Thanks for the challenge! Here’s the light box.
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Sara Therese — January 5, 2009 at 2:26 pm

Thanks for the heads up, Jen! This is JUST the kind of help I’ve been looking for when it comes to taking pictures. Great idea for Foto Friday! I’m really excited. 🙂