Category: Recipes

Preserved Lemon Curd

I needed a way to get lemon into an ice cream batter and figured that a lemon curd might make the most sense. The preserved lemons we started in February were ready so I figured I’d let them take center stage here (in the spirit of the pickled pineapple ice cream I cooked up a couple weeks ago).

It didn’t disappoint. For this batch I used two different preparations… one was a straightforward lemon, with no spice, and the other was from a small batch that got the addition of cinnamon, clove, and coriander seed. To be honest, I’m guessing at the measure for the lemon mash in the recipe below. In actuality, I used a quarter lemon from each batch. When I make this again, I’ll make sure to update this recipe.

Lemon curd takes a fair bit of effort, sort of like risotto. A minimum of fifteen minutes of solid stirring that’s rewarded with a perfectly luscious lemon treat with a ton of applications.

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Preserved Lemon Curd

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews
  • Author: Bruce Hartman
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 ounces (-ish) 1x

Description

  • Preserved lemon takes regular lemon curd from amazing to the stuff of legends.
  • Adapted from the lemon curd recipe at Sally’s Baking Recipes.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 Large Egg Yolks
  • 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/3 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/3 cup Preserved Lemon (mashed or pureed)
  • 6 tbsp Butter, cold (cut into 6 pieces)

Instructions

  1. Add egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the top of a double boiler.  Whisk continously while cooking until the mixture becomes thick and has the texture of hollandaise sauce (about 10 minutes, be patient).  If the curd hasn’t thickened any by minute seven, turn up the heat and continue to whisk.
  2. Once the curd comes together, add the mashed preserved lemon and continue to whisk for another minute or so to fully incorporate the mash. Remove from the heat and add the butter one pat at a time while continuing to whisk. The butter will melt slowly, return to the heat if necessary.
  3. Transfer the curd into a jar and seal with a lid. The curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Refrigerate for up to about 10 days.

Notes

  • Do not wash the brine from the preserved lemons.  It replaces the salt in the original recipe.
  • I like to use cold butter so that it very slowly and smoothly melts into the curd.
  • Make this a regular lemon curd by leaving out the preserved lemon mash and adding back a 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
  • I don’t pass this through a strainer because I like the little bits of lemon flesh scattered through the curd.  This was also initially cooked up for an ice cream batter that will be processed in a Ninja Creami.
  • Among other things, I use this curd in my Preserved Lemon and Lavender Ice Cream recipe.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Additional Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Keywords: lemon, curd, dessert, lemon curd

Preserved Lemons

I didn’t understand how much fun preserving food could be. At it’s heart, it’s about sustenance and security, but for me it’s becoming a way of taking even more control over my food and wrenching every last bit of flavor from it that I can.

Preserved lemons are a magical umami ingredient that I won’t ever be without again.

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Preserved Lemons

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

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Description

Lemon plus salt plus sugar plus time = magic

Adapted from the recipe by Clara Inés Schuhmacher and J. Kenji López-Alt at SeriousEats.com.

Ingredients

  • Fresh Lemons (or other citrus)
  • Kosher Salt
  • Sugar
  • Extra Lemon Juice
  • Filtered Water

Instructions

  1. Mix salt and sugar to a 2:1 ratio (two parts salt to one part sugar). I usually start with 1/2 cup salt and 1/4 cup of sugar, and mix more if I need it.
  2. Trim the stem end from the lemons and cut the into quarters from top to bottom. Toss the lemons in a portion of the salt-sugar in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate over night.
  3. In a sterilized jar, layer a bit of the salt-sugar into the bottom of the jar. Add a layer of lemon, and top with more salt-sugar. Using a muddler or pickle stick (see notes) to press the lemons together in the jar. Repeat this layering until the jar is almost full.
  4. Top the jar off with the juice-salt-sugar from the bowl. Add more lemon juice or distilled water if necessary to submerge the lemons. Seal the jar with a good lid and leave the jar on the countertop.
  5. Turn the jar daily or as often as you can. The lemons will be ready in as few as two weeks, but only get better with age. Try to wait at least a month.
  6. Move the jars to the fridge and store for up to six months.

Notes

This is less a recipe than a method and is open to serious variations. Some recipes call for a 70/30 ratio of salt to sugar. Spices can also be added (clove and/or cinnamon, for example) to bring other flavors to the party.

You can preserve other citrus this way. Keep in mind, though that fruits like oranges aren't quite as acidic and will need to be reinforced with lemon juice.

Many recipes call for the lemons to be "nearly" quartered, by not cutting all the way through the lemon so that the four pieces remain connected to each other at one end. I'm not sure if this is just a traditional hold over, or a it's intended to make it easier to dole out one lemon's worth of preserves. Whatever the case, I quarter mine completely so that they'll fit better into the jars. I've had no issue doing it this way, and quarters seem to me to be a good measure of to work from when adding this ingredient to my own recipes.

Some recipes call for the jarred lemons to be transferred to the fridge immediately. This method was invented well before refrigeration even existed, so I'm not sure it's really necessary. I can't imagine anything could grow in such a salty acidic environment. I tend to leave mine out on the counter indefinitely. That's up to you. Your mileage may vary. Buyer beware.

A pickle stick (or kraut stick) is used to press cabbage or other vegetables into a crock for fermentation.

  • Prep Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
  • Additional Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 730 hours
Preseved Lemon and Lavender Ice Cream

Preseved Lemon and Lavender Ice Cream

This isn’t usually a flavor profile I’m into… the floral notes aren’t my thing, but somehow this works. The measure below leaves a light whisp of lavender on the tongue. Not overwhelming at all.

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Preserved Lemon and Lavender Ice Cream

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews
  • Author: Bruce Hartman
  • Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Light and creamy lemon with a hint of lavender, inspired by a glass of lemonade I had once at a Planned Parenthood Abortion Rights rally in 2022.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tbsp Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 3/4 cup Preserved Lemon Curd
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 3/4 cup Milk
  • 1/2 tsp Angel Bake brand Lavender extract

Instructions

  1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 10 seconds on high. Add the sugar, and beat with a whisk attachment in a stand mixer for a minimum of 60 seconds. The goal is to mostly dissolve the sugar into the cream cheese. Add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until incorporated.
  2. Stop the mixer and add the preserved lemons curd. Mix slowly until fully incorporated and the sugar is dissolved. Make sure to scrape the bowl.
  3. Reduce the speed and slowly add the heavy whipping cream. Once incorporated, slowly add the milk. Mix on medium for a minute until the batter is completely mixed.
  4. Pour into Creami container and freeze for 24 hours minimum.
  5. When ready to serve, remove the Creami container from the freezer and process immediately.

Notes

  • Preserved Lemon Curd is regular lemon curd with the addition of pureed preserved lemon. See my method for Preserved Lemons here, and for the Preserved Lemon Curd here. It takes a bit of time, but the lemons last forever and are a great way to add a punch of flavor that’s just otherworldly.
  • Increase the lavender extract by 1/8 teaspoon at a time if you want more of the lavender. I take no responsibility for deviation from this recipe.
  • Be careful of how much air you whip into the batter. The volume will increase beyond the capacity of the Creami container if you make this in a blender with a whisk attachment.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Additional Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 hours
  • Category: Recipes

Stovetop Mac & Cheese

Ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness.

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Stovetop Mac & Cheese

★★★★★

5 from 1 review
  • Author: Bruce Hartman
  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 cup Water
  • 1 ea Evaporated Milk, 5 ounce can
  • 1 1/2 cup Cavatappi dry pasta
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 3/4 cup Pecorino Romano, grated
  • 1 tbsp Corn Starch
  • 3 tbsp Butter
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Add water, milk, pasta, and a large pinch salt to a sauce pot and bring to boil over high heat, stir occasionally. Reduce heat to medium once boiling. Use the time on the noodle package to gage how long it will take. Remove from heat.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix cheeses with cornstarch to coat.
  3. Remove from heat. Add butter and black pepper.
  4. Add cheese mixture to pot and stir to melt. Return to low heat if you need to finish melting.
  5. Taste for seasoning & add additional salt if needed. Garnish with additional shredded cheeses, black pepper.

Notes

  • Toasted panko crumbs are a great garnish. Add a half cup panko to a couple tablespoons of ghee in a sauté pan on medium high until golden brown.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes

Keywords: mac and cheese, macaroni

Tartar Sauce

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Tartar Sauce

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No reviews
  • Author: Bruce Hartman
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1/8 cup minced onion
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tbsp pickle juice

Instructions

  1. Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 0 hours
  • Additional Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 0 hours

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

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Peanut Butter Ice Cream

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews
  • Author: Bruce Hartman
  • Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tbsp Cream Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 cup Homemade Peanut Butter
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/2 cup Milk

Instructions

  1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 10 seconds on high. Add the dark brown sugar, and beat with a whisk attachment in a stand mixer for a minimum of 60 seconds. The goal is to mostly dissolve the sugar into the cream cheese. Once incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix again.
  2. Stop the mixer and add the peanut butter. Mix slowly until fully incorporated and the sugar is dissolved. Make sure to scrape the bowl.
  3. Reduce the speed and slowly add the heavy whipping cream. Once incorporated, slowly add the milk. Mix on medium for a minute until the batter is completely mixed.
  4. Pour into Creami container and freeze for 24 hours minimum.
  5. When ready to serve, remove the Creami container from the freezer and process immediately.

Notes

Makes 4 servings of 2 medium scoops.

Garnish with roasted peanuts, a reduction of fruit jam, or peanut brittle pieces.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Additional Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 hours
  • Category: Recipes

Mojito

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Mojito

★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

No reviews

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 10 Mint Leaves + 1 Lime Wedge
  2. Muddle
  3. Add 2 Lime Wedges + 2 Tbs Sugar
  4. Muddle Again
  5. Add Ice
  6. Add 1.5 oz Rum
  7. Top off with Club Soda
  8. Garnish with Lime Wedge
  • Prep Time: 0 hours
  • Additional Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 0 hours

She Crab Soup

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She Crab Soup

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Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cup Whole Milk
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1 ea Sweet Onion, small, diced
  • 1 ea Celery Stalk, diced
  • 2 ea Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 ea Small Lemon
  • 1/2 pound Lump Crab Meat
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Ground White Pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Clam Juice (or Chicken Stock)
  • 2 tbsp Dry Sherry (plus some for garnish)
  • Fresh Parsely, chopped (plus some whole sprigs for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Add milk and cream to a bowl and allow to sit at room temperature while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
  2. Finely dice the sweet onion and celery and add to a separate bowl. Mince and add the garlic as well.
  3. Zest the lemon and set aside.
  4. Coarsely chop the parsley and set aside.
  5. Pick through the crab and remove any shell pieces. Reserve 3 ounces of the crab for serving (1-1/2 ounces per person).
  6. Melt the butter in a cast iron pot. Add the onion, celery, and garlic. salt, ground white pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until the onions and celery are softened, but not browned. 5-10 minutes.
  7. Add the all-purpose flour to the cat iron pot, stirring to coat the onions and celery. Cook gently, making sure not to brown the flour too much. Deglaze the pot with half of the clam juice or chicken stock. Cook until the liquid mostly evaporates. 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the milk, whipping cream, remaining clam juice or chicken stock, and the lump crab meat to the pot. Make sure to stir very lightly so as not to entirely break up the crab meat. Bring to a light simmer and cook, whisking often. About 10 minutes.
  9. Remove pot from the heat, add lemon zest, chopped parsley, and dry sherry. Stir to combine. Taste and season with additional salt or white peppers as needed.
  10. Add 1-1/2 ounces of crab meat to the bottom of each of the serving bowls. Ladle the warm soup on top. Float a teaspoon or two of the dry sherry on top of the soup and garnish with remaining whole sprigs of parsley.
  11. Serve.

Notes

Serve with toasted crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days.

  • Prep Time: 0 hours
  • Additional Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 0 hours

Hollandaise Sauce

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Hollandaise Sauce

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Description

This is a basic blender recipe aimed at

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ea Egg Yolks
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 3/4 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • 8 tbsp Butter (1 stick)
  • 2 tbsp Water

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in medium in a small sauce pan.
  2. Add egg yolks, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper to the Aer Disc Vitamix Blender container.
  3. Start the blender on the lowest speed and raise to 8. Blend for 30 seconds.
  4. Remove the pour stopper, and slowly stream hot butter into the blender.
  5. Once fully incorporated, add water as needed to bring the hollandaise to the right consistency.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Additional Time: 0 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes