Zesty Heritage Lemon Curd: Slow Cooker & Traditional Methods
Indulge in the delightful taste of this classic British preserve, perfect for brightening up your breakfast or afternoon tea. Spread it generously on freshly baked bread, crumpets, muffins, or hot buttered toast for a truly scrumptious experience. It's also heavenly drizzled over pancakes or used as a luscious filling for cakes and tarts, such as my delectable Recipe #176514. This recipe offers the versatility of being prepared in a slow cooker, transforming it into a convenient bain marie that allows you more time to enjoy your kitchen creations. For those who prefer the traditional method, I've included straightforward instructions. Whether you choose to make a jar or two to gift, complete with a charming ribbon and a recipe tag, or simply to enjoy at home, this lemon curd is sure to impress. If you prefer a less tangy flavor, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking—just remember, this curd shines with its vibrant citrus notes. You can also experiment with oranges, limes, or a blend of all three fruits for a delightful St. Clement’s Curd inspired by the beloved nursery rhyme. Enjoy crafting this National Trust-inspired delight!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemons
3 large (unwaxed and organic, juice and zest)
eggs
4 large (lightly beaten)
caster sugar
6 ounces (or superfine sugar)
unsalted butter
4 ounces (cut into cubes)
oranges
2 large (juice and zest)
limes
4 (juice and zest)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your slow cooker: pour about 2 inches (5 cm) of very hot water into the ceramic pot and set it to high heat.
2
In a large heatproof bowl that fits inside the slow cooker, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and butter. Place the bowl into the slow cooker and carefully pour in enough near-boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of the bowl.
3
Allow the mixture to warm for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Remove the bowl and let it cool slightly.
4
Turn the slow cooker down to low heat. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and strain them into the lemon mixture, whisking thoroughly until well combined.
5
Cover the bowl with a lid or aluminum foil and return it to the slow cooker. Cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 15-25 minutes until the curd thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Note: It's okay to occasionally skip stirring if needed.
6
If at any point the curd appears curdled, simply whisk briskly at the end of cooking to smooth it out.
7
Once thickened, pour the lemon curd into warm sterilized jars, seal, and label them. Store in a cool place or preferably in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. After opening, consume within one month while stored in the fridge.
8
For the traditional method: Grate the zest of the lemons and squeeze out their juice. Combine the sugar, zest, juice, butter, and beaten eggs in a large basin placed over a pot of simmering water. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the curd thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Pour into warm sterilized jars, seal, label, and refrigerate.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Heritage Lemon Curd?
It is a classic British preserve with vibrant citrus notes, traditionally served at breakfast or afternoon tea.
Can I make this lemon curd in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe includes instructions for using a slow cooker as a convenient bain marie method.
What is the traditional method for making this curd?
The traditional method involves stirring the ingredients continuously in a basin placed over a pot of simmering water until thickened.
How much water should I put in the slow cooker?
Start with about 2 inches of hot water in the pot, then add more near-boiling water to reach halfway up the sides of your mixing bowl.
What is the first step for the slow cooker method?
Combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and butter in a heatproof bowl and place it in the slow cooker on high heat for 15 minutes.
When do I add the eggs in the slow cooker method?
Add the eggs after the butter and sugar have melted and the mixture has cooled slightly, then turn the heat to low.
How should the eggs be prepared before adding?
The eggs should be lightly beaten and then strained into the mixture to ensure a smooth texture.
How long does the curd take to cook in the slow cooker?
It takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on low heat.
How often should I stir the lemon curd in the slow cooker?
You should stir the mixture every 15 to 25 minutes.
Is it okay if I miss a stirring interval?
Yes, the recipe notes that it is okay to occasionally skip stirring if needed.
How do I know when the lemon curd is finished cooking?
The curd is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
What should I do if the curd looks curdled?
If the curd appears curdled, simply whisk it briskly at the end of the cooking process to smooth it out.
What type of lemons are best for this recipe?
It is recommended to use large, unwaxed, and organic lemons.
Can I use different citrus fruits?
Yes, you can use oranges, limes, or a blend of all three to create variations like St. Clement’s Curd.
What is St. Clement’s Curd?
It is a variation of lemon curd made with a blend of oranges, limes, and lemons, inspired by the nursery rhyme.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the curd?
You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, though the recipe is designed to be tangy and vibrant.
What is caster sugar?
Caster sugar is a fine-grained sugar often referred to as superfine sugar.
How should I prepare the butter?
The unsalted butter should be cut into cubes before being added to the mixture.
How do I store the finished lemon curd?
Pour the curd into warm sterilized jars, seal, and store in a cool place or the refrigerator.
How long does the curd last in the refrigerator?
Unopened jars last up to 3 months; once opened, it should be consumed within one month.
Does the curd need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, it should be stored in the fridge and consumed within a month of opening.
What are some serving suggestions for lemon curd?
It is delicious on bread, crumpets, muffins, toast, pancakes, or as a filling for cakes and tarts.
Can this recipe be used as a gift?
Yes, it makes a lovely gift when placed in a jar with a charming ribbon and a recipe tag.
What temperature should the jars be when filling?
The jars should be warm and sterilized before pouring in the curd.
How many ingredients are in the basic lemon version?
The basic version uses four main ingredients: lemons, eggs, sugar, and butter.
What is the role of the slow cooker in this recipe?
The slow cooker acts as a bain marie, providing a gentle and consistent heat source for the curd.
Should I use high or low heat for the majority of the slow cooking?
Most of the cooking is done on the low heat setting once the eggs are added.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe calls for fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor and vibrant citrus notes.
Is this recipe inspired by any specific style?
The recipe is described as a National Trust-inspired delight, following traditional British methods.
What size lemons are required?
The recipe specifies using 3 large lemons.