Best Alton Browns Lemon Curd Recipes

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EASY LEMON CURD



Easy Lemon Curd image

Tart, creamy and luscious lemon curd can be used on scones, muffins, toast, and so many desserts.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Time 20m

Yield Makes 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice
8 large egg yolks (egg whites reserved for another use)
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter (10 tablespoons), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, off heat, whisk together sugar, zest, and egg yolks; whisk in lemon juice and salt.
  • Add butter and place pan over medium-high. Cook, whisking constantly, until butter has melted, mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and small bubbles form around the edge of pan, about 5 minutes (do not boil).
  • Remove pan from heat while continuing to whisk. Pour curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass bowl. Press plastic wrap against the surface of curd and refrigerate until cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 g, Fat 19 g, Protein 3 g

PERFECT LEMON CURD



Perfect Lemon Curd image

Wonderfully tart, classic English lemon curd...perfect with scones and tea.

Provided by TAWNIE44

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 21m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 5

¾ cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, cubed

Steps:

  • In a 2 quart saucepan, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, eggs, and butter. Cook over medium-low heat until thick enough to hold marks from whisk, and first bubble appears on surface, about 6 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 138.1 calories, Carbohydrate 14 g, Cholesterol 66.8 mg, Fat 8.9 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 18.7 mg, Sugar 13 g

MARTHA STEWART'S CA. 1995 BEST LEMON CURD



Martha Stewart's Ca. 1995 Best Lemon Curd image

When Martha Stewart first published this recipe in her Martha Stewart Living Magazine in 1995, she had an entire article explaining the "where's/how's/and what not to do's" with regards to lemon curd. I had only ever purchased lemon curd prior to this recipe, and wasn't impressed with it. Too thick, too tart and short shelf life for the very high price. THIS recipe changed my mind: soft, teasingly tart, the ability to make it tarter or softer in flavour all had me saying "THIS IS THE WORLD'S BEST LEMON CURD!!!" I've never tried another recipe since, even Martha's "New & Improved" curd recipes, where she seems to have forgotten what she taught us fans of hers, so many years ago. According to the article, the reasons why THIS curd recipe is so superior is the following:1) Beating the egg yolks until rich yellow and then straining the first time creates a smooth, albumen-free base. 2) Cooking the mixture WITHOUT the zest creates a "softer", less bitter curd. Cooked zest just becomes more bitter, even without the white pith. 3) A second straining removes any possibility of "scrambled eggs" from your curd! 4) Adding the chilled butter, cut into pieces, to the eggs does two things: it rapidly cools down the curd so it doesn't continue to cook and also the buttery flavour is not changed by cooking with the yolks! 5) Adding the zest after the curd is cooled creates a smooth, flavourful but not bitter curd! Are these steps too many for some people? Oh, I'm sure of it, especially the straining steps. And some curd recipes have you dump everything together in the pan so that sure makes it simple. However, after 15 years of making this one curd recipe, I've found the little bit of extra time involved in creating it makes for a superiour end product. NOTE: If you do not want a dense, eggy Lemon Curd, use WHOLE EGGS for the recipe, rather than egg yolks. That would be four whole eggs to the six egg yolks.

Provided by The_Swedish_Chef

Categories     < 60 Mins

Time 40m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 egg yolks, beaten (adding whites makes it lighter and less rich)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, strained
1/2 cup unsalted butter (COLD and cut into small pieces to melt faster )
1 tablespoon lemon rind, grated

Steps:

  • Beat the egg yolks until well blended and lemon yellow in colour. Strain the egg yolks through a sieve into a medium-size heavy saucepan. (Sieving removes any shells or albumen; heavy saucpan prevents curdling.).
  • Add the sugar and lemon juice, stir to combine, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10-15 minutes. DO NOT HURRY THE PROCESS OR THE EGGS WILL CURDLE!
  • Cook until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and immediately pour through another sieve to catch any "scrambled egg bits". Pour into a heat proof 4 cup measuring cup and stir in the cold butter pieces, which cools down the mixture quickly.
  • Add the rind, continue stirring until well-blended.
  • Transfer to whatever storage container you want: either a large one or several samll ones.
  • Shelf Life: MUST BE REFRIGERATED! Keeps 2 weeks.
  • Variations:.
  • Lime Curd: substitute lime juice and increase grated lime peel to 2 tablespoons.
  • Orange Curd: Use orange juice, decrease sugar to 2/3 cup. 1 tablespoon orange peel.
  • Grapefruit Curd: Use grapefruit juice, same sugar and zest as lemon curd.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1275.4, Fat 77.8, SaturatedFat 44.8, Cholesterol 826.7, Sodium 40.1, Carbohydrate 141.8, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 135.7, Protein 10.7

ALTON BROWN'S LEMON CURD



Alton Brown's Lemon Curd image

Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/lemon-curd-recipe.html Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_curd

Provided by Karen Feinen

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 4

5 egg yolks
1 c sugar
4 lemons, zested and juiced
1 stick butter, cut into pats and chilled

Steps:

  • 1. Add enough water to a medium saucepan to come about 1-inch up the side. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  • 2. Meanwhile, combine egg yolks and sugar in a medium size metal bowl and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
  • 3. Measure citrus juice and if needed, add enough cold water to reach 1/3 cup. Add juice and zest to egg mixture and whisk smooth.
  • 4. Once water reaches a simmer, reduce heat to low and place bowl on top of saucepan. (Bowl should be large enough to fit on top of saucepan without touching the water.) Whisk until thickened, approximately 8 minutes, or until mixture is light yellow and coats the back of a spoon.
  • 5. Remove promptly from heat and stir in butter a piece at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding the next.
  • 6. Remove to a clean container and cover by laying a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/lemon-curd-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Alton Brown is a famous TV personality and chef who has introduced many unique recipes to the world. One of his popular recipes is the lemon curd recipe that is loved by many. Lemon curd is a tangy, sweet spread that is versatile and can be used in various desserts. Alton Brown's recipe for lemon curd is unique and is worth trying. This article discusses Alton Brown's lemon curd recipe in detail, without the actual recipe.

What is Lemon Curd?

Lemon curd is a citrus-based spread typically used in desserts, especially in England. It is made from lemons, eggs, sugar, and butter. The recipe involves combining these ingredients over low heat while constantly stirring. The mixture is then strained to remove the solids, leaving behind a smooth, creamy texture. Lemon curd has a tangy and sweet flavor that complements many dishes, including cheesecakes, tarts, and sponge cakes.

What Makes Alton Brown's Lemon Curd Recipe Unique?

Alton Brown's recipe for lemon curd is unique compared to other recipes because of the ingredients he uses. Instead of using whole eggs, he uses only egg yolks that give the curd a richer and creamier texture. He also adds a bit of cornstarch, which helps to thicken the mixture. Unlike traditional lemon curd recipes that incorporate heavy cream, Alton's recipe uses a combination of butter and cornstarch, which creates a smoother texture. He also blends the butter into the recipe after it has cooled, so it doesn't separate or curdle. Additionally, he uses the zest from the lemons, which gives the curd a more authentic lemon flavor.

How to Use Alton Brown's Lemon Curd

Alton Brown's lemon curd is not only delicious but it is also versatile! You can use it in various desserts, for example:
Lemon Tart
A lemon tart is a classic dessert that features a crumbly pie crust filled with tangy lemon filling. Alton Brown's lemon curd recipe is perfect for making a lemon tart. Simply prepare the crust of your liking and then pour in the curd filling. For a creative twist, top it off with whipped cream and berries!
Cheesecake
Lemon curd cheesecake combines two classic desserts. Apply the lemon curd on top of your cheesecake and let it set for a few hours to create a textured surface that sets it apart from a plain cheesecake.
Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a classic dessert that is easy to make. Prepare a shortbread crust and pour the curd filling on top. After, bake it for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let the bars cool before dusting with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream on the side.
Trifles
Lemon curd trifles are a refreshing dessert that can be made in a snap. Simply layer the curd with crumbled sponge cake or ladyfingers with either whipped cream, yogurt or meringue on top.

Conclusion

Alton Brown's recipe for lemon curd is unique because of the ingredients he uses, which results in a richer and creamier texture. This recipe offers a refreshing take on a classic dessert and offers an opportunity for many variations. The uses for Alton Brown's lemon curd are endless and perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
Alton Brown's lemon curd recipe is a delicious and tangy spread that can be used in a variety of ways. From spreading it on toast to using it as a filling in cakes and tarts, this versatile recipe is always a hit. Whether you're new to making curd or have been making it for years, there are a few valuable tips that can make the process easier and ensure the best results.

Tip 1: Use Fresh Lemons and High-Quality Butter

One of the most important aspects of making lemon curd is using fresh lemons and high-quality butter. The juice and zest of the lemons provide the tart flavor of the curd, so using fresh, ripe lemons is essential. Similarly, the butter used in the recipe should be of high quality, as it will affect the overall taste and texture of the curd. Using unsalted butter also allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Tip 2: Use a Double Boiler

When making lemon curd, it's important to use a double boiler to ensure that the curd cooks evenly and does not become lumpy. A double boiler is a two-part cooking vessel that allows you to cook ingredients in a gentle and controlled manner. The bottom part is filled with water and heated, while the top part holds the ingredients to be cooked. Using a double boiler prevents the curd from getting too hot and curdling, as the heat from the water is gentle and indirect.

Tip 3: Whisk Constantly

While cooking the curd, it's important to whisk it constantly to ensure that it cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Whisking also helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter and smoother texture. Use a sturdy whisk and whisk in a figure-eight motion to cover the entire surface of the mixture.

Tip 4: Use the Right Whisk

Using the right whisk can also make a big difference in the outcome of the curd. A sturdy balloon whisk is ideal for whisking the eggs and sugar together before adding the lemon juice and butter. This type of whisk is also great for incorporating air into the mixture and creating a fluffy texture. A smaller whisk or spatula can be used to stir in the butter and lemon juice after the eggs and sugar have been whisked.

Tip 5: Strain the Curd

After the curd has been cooked and has thickened, it's important to strain it to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Use a fine-mesh sieve or strainer to remove any bits of cooked egg or lemon zest that may have created lumps in the curd. Straining the curd also helps to remove any impurities and ensures a velvety texture.

Tip 6: Chill the Curd Correctly

Once the curd has been strained, it's important to chill it correctly to ensure that it sets properly. Transfer the curd to a clean jar or container and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the curd in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until it has set and is firm enough to spread.

Tip 7: Customize the Recipe

While Alton Brown's lemon curd recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it to suit your tastes. For example, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits, such as lime or grapefruit, to create different flavors of curd. Another option is to add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or limoncello, for a boozy twist.
Conclusion
By following these valuable tips, you can make Alton Brown's lemon curd recipe with ease and achieve the best results possible. Whether you're using the curd as a spread or as a filling in baked goods, you'll love its tangy flavor and silky texture. Experiment with different variations and customization options to create a version that's perfect for you.

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