I saved a tree today, but not the complete tree. It is looking sort of strange. It is missing a few limbs. I have spoken previously about my neighbor that has this wonderful prolific lemon tree. It feeds the whole neighborhood, a few joggers that jog by, and a few gardeners.
Yesterday while getting ready to go to the market I heard voices outside my gate. I went out to see what was going on. Apparently someone reported my neighbor for an overgrown lemon tree. The limbs were hanging over the fence. Whose life is so empty that an overgrown lemon tree gets on their radar?
The Association was there to monitor the problem. My sweet neighbor is there trying to be accommodating. The gardener was there with a chainsaw in hand. I said it would be a shame to cut it down when the neighbors depend on the organic tree for their lemon cakes, and cured lemons, and lemon bars. Many a night I have seen a neighbor run over and snatch a lemon for their vinaigrette for a salad or lift the flavor of soup. Ms. Association said, “It must come down, if someone got hit in the head by a lemon the Association would be in a lawsuit.” Oh, my gosh it was all I could do not to laugh, but there were so many people standing around I thought this must be serious. I said, please don’t cut the whole thing, just the limbs that are in danger of possibly beaning someone that walks by. Ms. Association concurred.
When I returned home my neighbor had left a big bag of lemons, so now I need to make something lemon.
I have not posted as many lemon recipes as I have wanted. I only want the best of the best to make it to my blog so I have held off on posting. Then I was reading David Lebovitz’ recipe for Improved Lemon Curd. If anyone should know about lemon curd a pastry chef should know. He used Meyer lemons. Mine are not Meyer, but they are so fresh I prefer them to anything you can buy in a market. I liked that his version has less sugar than other recipes. Meyer are sweeter requiring less sugar, but even with his adjustments it is less sweet. For those that do not know, the guy was a pastry chef for years and worked for Alice Water until he moved to France. Along with other books, he has written the go-to ice cream book, and lets us know what is going on in France, something that has become my guilty pleasure.
I was anxious to try the recipe. I added the peel of the lemon – just the yellow zest part that contains the lemon oils – not the white pith because it is bitter. I cooked it in the curd and then strained it out. Please strain your lemon curd just to be sure there is no overcooked egg.
It never occurred to me that lemons could be dangerous. Every time I see an overgrown lemon tree I don’t think lawsuit, I think that would make a lot of lemon tarts. Have you ever been hit in the head with a lemon?
Thank you Mr. Lebovitz for improving the lemon curd. Kudos to you.
- ½ cup (125 ml) freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- ⅓ cup (65 g) sugar (or ½ cup, 100 g, if using regular lemons)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 large eggs
- pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- Zest of the lemons
- Mise en place ~ Gather ingredients
- Set up a strainer over a bowl.
- You need a bowl of ice water.
- You need a sterilized jar with a lid; set aside.
- Whisk together the lemon juice, sugar, egg yolks, eggs, and salt; pour into a pan.
- Add butter cubes; set the pan over low heat, whisk constantly until the butter melts.
- Increase the heat slightly; stir constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- It’s done when you lift the whisk and the mixture holds its shape when it falls back into the saucepan from the whisk.
- Immediately strain the curd into a bowl; place the bowl into the ice bath to cool.
- When cool, fill the sterilized jar; store lemon curd in the refrigerator.
- It will keep for up to one week.
I’m taking this to
I love your lemon tree story, Madonna! It made me think of Mrs. Doubtfire and the “drive-by fruiting!” lol I am definitely going to try this one. My blogger friend not far away serves it with her homemade scones…wonderful! Thanks for sharing!…hugs…Debbie
Thanks Debbie. I had forgotten about Mrs. Doubtfire. 🙂
This must taste sooo much better than store bought with your own lemons. What a cute story about the tree. A lemon hitting someone, now that’s funny. Thank goodness there was a happy ending to that story.
Sam
Thanks Sam. The tree is looking kind of strange, but it is alive.
I think Oh how lucky they have a lemon tree..Oh a pie would be so good .. curd ..bars.. lemonade..Never have I thought what if a lemon hits me on the head.
That should be the elast of peoples worries as to what can happen to them.
I am not unfamiliar with that train of thought.. it’s all in the neighbors..
I could tell you stories..about some neighbours people I know have..
and that about sums it up..they will pick those lemons.. and be teh firts to complain.
But I would rather say I feel like getting up and making lemon curd..to fill pie dough I just made:)
Thanks..Pinning..:)
The tree is looking rather defiled, but it is still standing. I don’t understand why they did not suggest that the neighbor just pick the lemons to keep anyone from being in danger and trim the limbs when it is not peak lemon season. Thanks for stopping by.
Oh the trials and tribulations of living where there is a community association. Usually the person in charge of enforcing rules seems to have tunnel vision. I hope the tree continues to thrive on the homeowners side of the yard. I can’t wait to try your version of lemon curd that is a little less sweet. 🙂
Most of the time the association is a good thing. It keeps people from painting their house with polka dots.:) Someone must have been having a bad day to want to cut the whole tree. Thanks for stopping by Karen.
Oh my, who would have thought that the day would come when people were afraid of lemons! What’s next – cherries?!;-D
Your lemon curd looks absolutely delicious, Madonna, and what a lovely colour, so appetizing and refreshing. Thanks for sharing this recipe and the pretty photos!
Poppy
PS: Maybe someone should bring Ms. Association a bowl, might just sweeten her up a little!
Ms. Association’s would require more sugar.:) Thanks for stopping by Poppy.
We’ve lived in places with community associations before. There are some good things about them, but they can focus way too much on the trivial, too. I’d love to be hit in the head by a lemon! Who wouldn’t want a free lemon? This is a wonderful looks curd — thanks.
Thanks John. For the most part it has all been good, but apparently someone was having a bad day. I spoke to my neighbor last night and apologized for insinuating myself it the situation, but she said she was happy I did or she would have been treeless.
I love home-made lemon curd! But I love the idea of a community lemon tree even more. I am so glad that you played a part in saving the lemon tree, but I am utterly unsurprised that someone played the “what if a lemon fell on someone’s head” card. We live in such a litigious society these days!
So true Angela. I started to laughed, but when I saw their face I saw it was serious. Thanks for stopping by.
That is the craziest story I have ever heard! I’m glad you were able to rescue the tree. This Lemon curd looks amazing.
It was pretty crazy, but all is well now. Thank you for visiting.
Wow, can you believe people? Goodness, gracious, it’s like they have nothing better to do. Thankfully, you were able to use all those wonderful lemons for this fabulous lemon curd. I want a big spoon on a scone, right now, Madonna. Thanks for sharing the story and the recipe.
Not sure if you use this phrase in the US but here in the UK we call them ‘Jobsworths’ as in “….it’s more than my jobs worth to let this tree stay here” . Happy you took a stand and persuaded them to see sense. Love your blog!
I have not heard that phrase before, but I will remember it now. Thank you,and so happy you stopped by. I love hearing from you.
Hahaha! I can say I’ve never had an accident with a lemon! Beautiful curd.
Thank you Mimi.
I love everything lemon and especially lemon curd.
I wish I had a big mature lemon tree and sure wouldn’t mind being hit on the head by a lemon once in a while….
You make me laugh. I don’t think I would want to be hit on the head, but I sure would miss that tree.
M~
Ms. Lemon, you are awesome to have saved the lemon tree! ♥ I saw this lovely Lemon Curd over at Jann’s Share Your Cup, and came by to get a better look. It looks delicious, and I can’t wait to try it- pinned!
Thank you Joy. I am just glad it is still intact.
Hi Madonna
Loved this post, lemons and lawsuits, who would have thought!
I can see why your blog was included in Sharon’s four. It is wonderful, I look forward to reading more. I have had a great response as a result of her generosity in featuring four new blogs, I am certain you will to.
Gill
Oh, I wish I had named the post “Lemons & Lawsuits”. Thank you so much for stopping by and yes on the response and yes on Sharon – I just love her. Bloggers have been so good and generous to me for no other reason than they are just good people.
I love lemon more than chocolate. I’m a fan of Mr. Lebovitz’s recipes, (I’ve made his caramel ice cream). Good for you for saving that lemon tree! I’m waiting for our trees to mature enough to give me LOTS of lemon. Thanks for visiting my blog kitchen. I’ve enjoyed visiting yours.
Debby
Although I like chocolate I too prefer lemon. I hope your tree matures soon.
I love a great foodie story, and this one fits the bill. Saving a lemon tree is no small feat, especially when dealing with a HOA or a whistle-blowing neighbor. Your idea was a stroke of genius–and so is your improved lemon curd. Bravo!
Thanks Michael. The tree looks a little strange, but I think it will recover. I just wished they would have waited until it was tree trimming time.
Love having fresh lemons and I adore lemon curd! Thanks for linking to TTF!
SERIOUSLY! I wish I could say that I can’t believe the story about the Ms. Association, but sadly, I can. I live in a condo with WAY TOO MANY RULES! Don’t get me started. But sometimes I think the associations attract people who love to make rules. Arrggh.
I’m with you. When I see a lemon tree, I think of great things I can do with them. Not lawsuits.
For the most part I have had no problem with the association. In fact it has saved us from some people that had some pretty strange ideas like the guy with the homemade fire-engine-red camper parked in front of my house – not his. And there is always a Griswold family that leaves up their Christmas decorations year round – they should be as enthusiastic about taking them down as they were putting them up. But that lemon tree was not hurting anyone.
Thanks for visiting Wini. I so enjoy your site. Love your food and love your tutorials.
I wish lemon trees grew here in NC, how wonderful to have a community lemon tree. I’d be over there quite often keeping the tree well pruned. Bravo to you for saving the tree! Your curd sounds wonderful, I could think of a zillion ways to use it!
Southern California is in peak season. I think this curd will be finding its way into some tart if I will just quit going to the frig and doing a little quality control. I think I am going to fold some whipped cream and some gingersnap cookies and call it dessert. Maybe served in a pretty glass.
I love lemon curd, especially with gingerbread, and am delighted to see that it’s not so difficult to make. BTW, I’m delighted to find you on WP and look forward to more of your posts. Where are you located?
How about some ginger snaps and some whipped cream? Thanks for visiting.
Thank goodness you saved the Lemon Tree!! Your Lemon Curd looks delicious and keep up the good Tree Saving! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope you have a great weekend!
Miz Helen
How sad that someone complained of a few branches hanging over the fence line…they must lead a pathetic life. Gorgeous lemons…the lemon curd looks delicious!
It is sad, but we are all good now. Thank you for stopping by.
Just wanted to stop by and let you know that I loved your Improved Lemon Curd so much that I’m featuring it on The Sunday Faviourates http://thequestionablehomesteader.com/sunday-faviourates-8/ Please feel free to stop by and grab a button
Oh I am so glad you helped save the tree! That would have been such a shame. I love lemon curd! Living in Utah mine always comes out of a jar. Yours looks divine! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
What a wonderful post!
My mouth was literally watering as I looked at your lemon curd photos.
And what a sweet story.
You saved the day!
Enjoyed visiting,
Laura
White Spray Paint
Thanks Laura, and thank you for visiting.
I use Ina’s recipe but next time I might have to try this one!
I used Ina’s for my lemon bars and it is delicious, but I wanted to try something with a little less sugar. Check out Mr. Lebovitz’ site. He used to be a pastry chef. Thank you for stopping by.
Love the story along with the recipe….I can’t believe someone would actually complain about lemons hanging over their fence…I wish I had neighbors that I could steal fruit from…
It was a puzzle to me too. Everyone the happens by helps themselves to a lemon or two. Thank you for stopping by.
Ha ha, funny post! I would love to have a lemon tree. Right now I’m looking at tree branches with ice and snow. Your post reminds me of summer!
I love that tree and she is so generous to share with us. I just could not let them take it down. Please stay safe and warm and thank you for stopping by.
Sounds delicious. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Lemon curd has been on my to do list for a while, the last time I bought the jarred stuff I threw it out it tasted so bad~thank you for sharing this recipe, I am pinning to make soon~
I hope you will try it soon. Thanks for stopping by.
Yesterday I harvested the last 73 lemons (ok, I wanted to know) then zested and juiced them all. OMG, felt as though I’d done 100 pushups. Today I made a quadruple recipe with complete success. With nothing to lose I put all the ingredients in a dutch oven over low heat and just stirred! Before starting this I did make 2 pans of lemon bars which baked as I stirred. Bonus: lots of yummy lemon with very few pots to clean.
I am so glad. Make sure you make some cured lemons for roasted chicken and fish. It perks up the flavor of any dish.
Phenomenal! I, too, prefer Eureka lemons, aka regular lemons, to Meyer lemons. My Eureka tree is not nearly as prolific as the Meyer, but I treasure them.
I zest and juice all (the Eureka) at once. The zest gets stored in a canning jar with a tablespoonful or two of granulated sugar and placed in the freezer. The sugar dissolves with many of the essential oils in the lemon and is just as good six months later. It works for oranges, Meyers, and limes with diminishing results. Juice is frozen in 4oz, portions (jumbo muffin tin works well) and popped in a zip top bag.
This is my favorite, efficient use of time and energy to ensure plenty of lemon year-round.
Thanks for the wonderful riff: it’s the only curd recipe I use. I did freeze the curd, thawed in refrig, and it was as great as fresh.
I usually squeeze the lemons and freeze in containers. I save the zest, but I had not thought to use sugar. This should make them keep better than just freezing. Thanks for the tip.