How to Make Lemon Curd

Lemon Curd made from scratch is a little time consuming but the simply luscious result is well worth the effort.

Lemon Curd

• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 C sugar
• 1 1/2 T freshly grated lemon peel
• 1/2 C freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 6 T butter, cut into 12 pieces

Ingredients and cooking equipment you will need.

Beat eggs with whisk in top of double boiler.  If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a smaller pan that  fits into a larger one.

Whisk in lemon peel, juice and sugar. Be sure to grate the  lemons before you cut them and extract the juice.  Place mixture over simmering water.  Check to make sure the hot water is not touching your double boiler.  If the water is touching the pan with your lemon curd mixture, it may cause cause it to curdle.  Stir constantly with wooden spoon until the mixture is hot to the touch.

When mixture is hot to the touch, add butter one piece at a time stirring until each piece is melted. 

When the Lemon Curd is ready, the mixture will be slightly thickened, glossy, translucent, creamy and should measure 145 on a candy thermometer.  Cool 1 hour , cover and store in the fridge.  Lemon Curd is delicious with scones and a cup of tea, of course.  It is equally delicious as a cake filling, a spread for toast and sugar cookies.  Enjoy and use your imagination. What is your favorite way to enjoy delicious Lemon Curd?

Making Scones with A Great Pastry Blender

Making scones is easy with this great pastry blender.  This was one of  our favorite tools in the tearoom kitchen.  It makes short work of blending the butter into your dry ingredients to the consistency of coarse oatmeal.  For us it worked much for efficiently than the pastry blenders with thin wires.  Be sure to use cold butter that has been cut into small pieces.  And remember the secret to delicious scones is not to overwork the dough!  Please view the video below to see how it is done.

Tailgate Tea

Having recently read about a busy mom who decided to do a tailgate tea at her children's
numerous sporting events gave me the great idea of having a tailgate tea at the Penn State football games. My husband and I regularly attend these games and tailgating is a favorite Penn State football tradition. I was delighted to combine tea with football, a winning combination to make both my husband and me very happy.

Using a festive Penn State checkered blue and white tablecloth and a white table topper adorned with blue teapots, I set the theme for my tailgate tablescape. I also used a white teapot and blue and white teacups with blue napkins.

Freshly baked Blueberry Scones* with white clotted cream were delectable pre-game early morning fare . Yogurt Granola Parfaits and fresh, crisp, juicy apples completed my tailgate menu. Delicious Blueberry Cream Tea was the crowning touch.

Think about adding a tailgate tea to your weekend sports ritual for a pleasant addition. Using your team's colors for your theme and menu ties it together nicely. It was easy and fun and a little surprise for all the football fans.

WE ARE...PENN STATE


*Recipe for Blueberry Scones found in "Teatime in Gettysburg"