Homemade Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is not at all as its name suggests – to me, “curd” brings to mind lumps in cottage cheese, or perhaps something curdled such as sour milk. But the name could not be more misleading, for lemon curd is a delicious, smooth, sweet-tart custard-like condiment that can be used interchangeably with jam as a spread, or as a filling, as an ingredient in a filling.  Lemon curd can be purchased in the jelly and jam section of the market.  But it is easy to make your own.

 

Lemon curd is delicious when spread on a piece of homemade bread or scones (especially blueberry scones).  

Lemon Curd

Makes 2 jars, 8 ounces each.

• 3 eggs
• 1 stick of butter, softened
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoons sugar
• 1/3 cup lemon juice

Whisk the eggs in a saucepan with the butter, sugar, and lemon juice. Place over very low heat, and stir until mixture is thick and smooth. Pour into two 8-ounce jelly jars and cover.  If mixture becomes lumpy, whir in blender only until smooth. Pour into jars.

Curd will thicken further as it cools. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep up to 6 months.

Note: It is better to use a double boiler to keep the mixture from scorching. If you use a regular saucepan, stir constantly and occasionally use a rubber scraper on the bottom and sides of the saucepan to prevent sticking.

Sweet and Simple Baby Blanket

I'm trying to work my way through my yarn stash.  I have been eyeing a few crochet hats that I would love to make but feel I need to use up some of what I already have before bringing yet more yarn into the house.  My "studio" is only so big after all!

To make this task a bit easier, I sorted the yarn into coordinating color groups and have been busily crocheting and knitting.  I made this small baby blanket last week using one strand each of white, pink and lavender yarn and a single crochet stitch.  It worked up quickly and is quite feminine and lovely (and just the right size to cover a carseat) after being "finished" by weaving a thin lavender ribbon around the edge.

I plan to gift it to one of my neighbors who recently adopted their daughter.

In Which Pierce Accepts The Oscar

Not to brag, but Pierce is quite well known in our area for his knowledge about the Civil War.  He has worked at the State Archives helping to write highway marker signs, has been interviewed for research papers and is considered to be a "noted historian" by those who write books on the subject.

He received a telephone call a few months ago requesting that he appear in a short documentary film about Captain Philip Thurmond, the leader of independent Civil War Rangers in our area. Of course, he jumped at the chance to participate.

His role was that of a soldier guarding the house of Capt. Thurmond.  Not a large part, but, hey, it's a start. He is currently working on his acceptance speech for "Best Actor"  at next year's Oscar awards ceremony.