Cooking & Baking Essentials
The Technique
Lemons
Lemons are extremely versatile as they can be showcased in sweet or savory recipe applications or serve as a supporting role lending balance to dishes. From appetizers to desserts, fresh lemon zest & juice perk up most anything flawlessly. They are, by far, my favorite ingredient to cook & bake with as they provide either a balancing note needed for recipe applications or bright, bold flavor. Classic Cheesecake & Pecan Biscotti are good examples of where fresh lemon is used to enhance the other flavors in the dish, particularly when you’re looking for vanilla notes to shine while the smattering amount of zest used in the Fresh Herb Relish for a Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin elevates the flavor flawlessly. When deliberate lemon flavor is desired such as in the case of Lemon-Thyme Green Beans, Lemon Icebox Pie or Lemon Shortbread, a larger quantity will be needed so having the correct tool to complete the task efficiently & effectively is key. Over the next several months, I’ll show you how recipes can benefit when either a little or a lot of the citrus is used. Learn how to capture every drop of lemon juice to make smart use of your purchase & get ready to impart the fresh citrus in your favorite foods for the sake of good taste.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Juice Fresh Lemons
Lemons can be used in both sweet & savory foods pairing well with just about anything making them extremely versatile. When choosing them from produce bins, select fruit with a bright, uniform color. Pick them up & gently press them in your hand. They should feel firm with a slight give to them. If the zest is desired, take care of that task first by running the outer portion over a microplane grater, then slice the lemons in half for juicing. Extracting it from the citrus is simple when the correct tool is used.
The Technique
When fresh lemon juice is needed for recipe applications, it’s important to have the right device that will release every bit. A glass juicer where the reamer is set over a small bowl to collect the juice can be used or my preferred choice is a lemon press. These valuable tools are generally coated with a non-reactive finish to prevent the acid from producing off flavors. Citrus halves can be placed in the custom fit compartment then the handles pressed together to extract the juice over a small bowl. It’s efficient enough to press every bit of juice quickly. Once the task is complete, the pulp & seeds will be left behind. Simply remove the used lemon halves & discard them. Before adding the juice to recipe applications, pour it through a small fine wire mesh sieve to collect any seeds or unwanted bits of pulp that may be in the bowl.
The Tune
“Blue Skies” Doris Day
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Be sweet.
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