I don't think I have spent so much time indoors in years. I did manage to get outside for a short period of time yesterday when the rain and drizzle held up for a few minutes. I transplanted some Napa cabbage seedlings. I should have a great crop judging by the number of seedlings which came up. It began to rain again and then I was back in the house.
So what was I up to, you may ask.
You may remember my really great crop of Meyer lemons. The trees are now in the potting shed keeping warm and dry. The lemons are ripening gradually and I have begun to use them.
I have made two batches of lemon curd. Most of it will be given away as gifts but we have already enjoyed this delicious treat over Chobani natural fat free yoghurt. A spoonful of this curd over the top and a few berries is heaven.
Here's the recipe in case you would like to try it.
Mrs Beaton's Lemon Curd
3 large eggs
3 oz butter
8oz sugar
grated rind and juice of 2 lemons.
Whisk the eggs and add remaining ingredients to the basin of a double boiler. (No double boiler, then use a bowl over pan of hot water making sure that you don't let the pan touch). Stir continuously until the curd thickens. Watch carefully as the eggs will scramble if you let it get too hot. Pot up in warm sterilized jars. Lots of ways to use the curd; on pound cake, in a jelly roll, over ice cream and on toast. Yum.
Wondering what else I could do with my Meyer lemons I came up with this website at the LA Times. 100 things to do with a Meyer lemon and even more here at Becks and Posh! No, that's not David Beckam and Posh Spice writing about Meyer lemons but you have to take a look here at all the recipes. I'm going to be going Meyer lemon recipe crazy! Maybe I can center a whole meal around Meyer lemons like my friend in Boise who centers her whole meal around garlic when she harvests her garlic crop. Garlic ice cream indeed!! I digress. This is a really interesting web site if you are at all interested in food and cooking.
I picked all my peppers this past week before the frost destroyed them. They have been ripening in the kitchen. Today I will roast them and freeze for later use.
I made a large batch of beef stew and a big pot of great northern beans. A good night for that, tonight.
I made toffee, sugar coated roasted pecan nuts (thanks Elaeanor), wrote Christmas cards, wrapped Christmas gifts, knitted. That's enough nesting for the day.
What a productive day!
ReplyDeleteI have never had lemon curd before, and it is on my list of things I've always wanted to try. It looks divine! I'm going to have to try that recipe. Do you eat it cold or warm?
My goodness, you've been busy! I bet your house smells fantastic to boot. I spent the day watching a video about how to better use my camera and fiddling with the settings. I'm loving this slow soaking of rain...I transplanted some shrubs and herbs the day before it began ;)
ReplyDeleteNow just think of that rain going on for three months...that's my reality. Good thing I'm a nester too! Though not as productive of one as you...
ReplyDeleteYes I too know all about 'nesting'. That's exactly what we call it when we're literally trapped insdie for weeks on end during a monsoonal wet season. It's amazing how good I am at cooking for a few weeks every year! Loved the look of your yoghurt with lemon curd and berries ... delicious!
ReplyDeleteUp here, we call it "hunkering in"..but it's the same thing. Lots of cooking and puttering around the house. I actually enjoy it after a long season of being in the garden. It's always nice to get reaquainted with the house.
ReplyDeleteYour peppers are gorgeous-you had a good crop of them.
You have been a busy little bee over there! Will try that recipe- thanks. Always looking for new good ones. I see you knitted! Fun! Something I have always wanted to learn but never have. Show some pics of what you've made!
ReplyDeletemmm lemon curd.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to try my hand at a lemon tree at some point in the near future. Though first I think I need to figure out what to do with the Avocado tree...
Love those Meyer lemons! I was unsuccessful growing one (died in the cold last year), but I'm hoping one of my sources comes through. If so, I will try that lemon curd - looks delicious! We usually make a lemon meringue pie or lemon bars. Oh my.
ReplyDeleteIndie- It is meant to be eaten cold although I can tell you I do like to lick the bowl when I have emptied it and it is good warm too.
ReplyDeleteCat- I should be doing that- reading my camera book. Still all a mystery to me.
Danger garden- I remember it well from when I lived on the west coast of England. When I cried 'enough' after 1½ " on Friday, everyone in Texas screamed at me to hold my tongue. Now after 4" we will get a freeze tonight and you know what that means.
Bernie- It's a time of increased inches. I need to work off all the eating but it is cold and wet.
Sue- My husband just loves it. He comes in the kitchen and says- "what a wonderful smell"
Kacky- It was finishing off a project. A tea cozy for my son's teapot! But I did get it finished at last.
Katina- Do it, you won't regret it. How many avocados have you picked. That should give you a clue as t which tree you should be nurturing.
Cynthia- They certainly don't like the cold. I drag 'em in for the winter. Worth all the trouble as I never see these lemons in the store.
Meyer lemon Curd sounds delicious and does it ever look so in your photo! xogail
ReplyDeleteYou put me to shame! Such industriousness and such marvellous results. Oh, and so healthy!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you got enough done for 5 people! lol The lemon curd sounds delicious ~ I will have to try to make that.
ReplyDeleteHave copied Mrs. Beaton's lemon curd recipe and checked out Beck & Posh to find the Meyer lemon butter cookie -- thanks for the lemony goodness!
ReplyDelete