40 Days and 40 Nights

 
 
 
 
Posted by Picasa

Thinking that we wouldn’t be seeing sunshine and warm weather for a few more days we were forced to create a little faux-sunshine here on the ark with a big box of juicy California lemons.

It’s time to make one of the two batches of Limoncello that we will make this year so I solicited my husband-the expert lemon peeler-juicer person in our family.

The fragrant oils wafted through the house lifting our spirits and turning our thoughts to Italy! We imagined ourselves living in Tuscany and handpicking lemons from our own trees, tending the olive trees and imagining the first yield of our own cold-pressed olive oil.

In the short time we fantasized about our villa in Tuscany, Ron peeled and juiced 10 pounds of lemons. We covered the peels with a quart of vodka and retired them to a nice, cool dark spot where the oils and flavor will be leeched out of the rinds.

With some of the fresh juice I created a batch of lemon simple syrup that will begin a transformation into a lemon curd that will enhance a lemon crème filling made of marscapone and whipped cream.

Tomorrow I have plans to bake an olive oil cake. A little espresso or cappuccino . . . and I ‘m off again to Italy, in spirit!
Cioa!

Comments

Diana Black said…
I can literally smell the lemons!

Cioa!

Diana
March 29, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Home At Last said…
I am just about to post the cake! A
It was delicious!
March 29, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jacque Pepin's Chicken Liver Pate

Image
Every silky-smooth bite of this pleasing chicken liver pate was worth the extra calories!  Created by my daughter-in-law's mother, Jill, the recipe captured everything I love about pate! A perfectly smooth pate enhanced by the addition of cognac. The rich chicken livers pared deliciously with a dark berry compote made of strawberries, blackberries and fresh blueberries! Recipe: Jacque Pepin's Chicken Liver Pâté FAST MAKE-AHEAD 1/2 pound chicken livers, well-trimmed 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced 1 small garlic clove, smashed and peeled 1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves Kosher salt 1/2 cup water 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 teaspoons Cognac or Scotch whisky Freshly ground pepper Toasted baguette slices, for serving In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken livers, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasiona
Read more

Artist-Walter Anderson

Image
    Make time for the Walter Anderson Museum, an eccentric artist whose work has been labeled "intense and evocative". A daily ritual of rowing twelve miles to an isolated barrier island provided Anderson the opportunity to paint and draw the island's vegetation, birds, animals and insects. Stunning water colors and intricate patterns allow a glimpse into the lonely mind of a brilliant artist. Located on the main street of charming Oceans Springs, Mississippi. To learn more about artist, Walter Anderson and the museum hours visit www.WaltAnderson.org
Read more

Vernon Kilns Honolulu By Don Blanding

Image
In the mid-80's, Ron and I decided to accept a job offer in San Juan Capistrano, California! We had no money to speak of! About $700 by the time we arrived in California! We arrived on the California coast with a packed 280Z; including our newest family member, Henrietta, a pretty white rescue from the Japonica Street SPCA in New Orleans! We couldn't afford an apartment when we arrived due to the fact we ONLY had $700! We rented a motel room that allowed pets and Ron went to work.  Poor as church mice, we finally struck a deal with a landlord to repair a condo ravaged by too many parties and druggies. It turned out to be a lovely rental after we totally renovated and redecorated! Our time spent in California was wonderful. I think we'd still be there now if not for my unreasonable fear of earthquakes! We loved the food culture, the weather and the friendly people! We particularly loved the Rose Bowl Antique show every month and found the garage and yard sales to be
Read more