Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is a delicious tart, soft, thick, spreadable cooked cream that contains eggs, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest. It has more lemon juice and zest and a more buttery taste than lemon filling. Lemon curd can be served as a spread for scones or toast, and goes well with tea at any time of day. It is also wonderful as a filling in trifles, tarts, sponge and cakes.

In this recipe the lemon curd is cooked over a saucepan of simmering water to help prevent the eggs from curdling and curd getting burnt. Problems can arise (eg: curd not thickening) if the temperature of the 'simmering' water is too low. Unfortunately, on the stove we do not use exact temperatures like we do with ovens. In this recipe "simmer" is defined as the point just short of a boil which is when bubbles begin to appear.

The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Remember to cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and it can be kept refrigerate for up to 1 month. Thanks Tracy for introducing me this wonder and fragrant Lemon Curd.

Ingredients:
1/2 Cup(125ml) Lemon Juice
150g Caster Sugar
65g Butter, cubes
2 Eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 Grated Lemon Rinds

Methods:
1. Place lemon juice, lemon rinds and sugar into a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add butter, stir until melted then remove from the stove.
3. Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and stir the mixture together at the same time until well combined.
4. Next pour the egg mixture through a fine strainer into a big glass/stainless steel mixing bowl to remove any lumps.
5. Place the bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water and simmer and stir often for about 25 minutes or more until the mixture thicken(like custard) and coats the back of a metal spoon.
6. Make sure that the mixture does not boil or it will curdle.
7. When the lemon curd is ready, pour it into prepared warm, sterilised jars. Seal tightly, allow it to cool then store in the refridgerator.

Notes: If you prefer a thicker curd, make a paste of 1 teaspoon cornflour and 2 teaspoons water. Blend into prepared hot curd. Transfer to a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for 1 minute then pour into jars.