Sunday, March 31

Putting The Sparkle and Shine Back Into Your Silver


Silver has long been cherished as a precious metal. It is beautiful, versatile and lustrous, bringing elegance to any table setting or personal jewelry. Unfortunately, silver is rather fragile when compared to many of the more commonly used metals. It tarnishes with age and can easily stain and scratch. The thought of cleaning silver can be a bit intimidating, especially when polishing highly valued and cherished family heirlooms that have been passed from generation to generation. You REALLY don't want to be forever remembered as the individual in your family tree that ruined Grandma's silverware! However, fear not! You don’t have to use harsh chemicals or be an expert to clean silver. You can put that delightful sparkle back into your vintage silver platters, jewelry, tableware, bowls, candlesticks and coffeepots easier than you think. The secret of cleaning silver using household basic items may surprise you, but the techniques are easy, tried and true. Here are a few tips on keeping your silver shinning bright for generations to come. Be sure to pass on your 'silver secrets' to your children!


THE TOOTHPASTE METHOD
If you don't need to clean a set of silverware and you have a small job at hand, the best silver polish is white tooth paste. Toothpaste can also prove successful at removing tarnish from your more delicate silver items. Dab some on your finger, and rub into the tarnish, add a few drops of cold water and using your hands work the paste into a foam. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse thoroughly with water. If you are cleaning something with an intricate pattern, like earrings, an extra-soft toothbrush can be used for the stubborn tarnish in small crevices. Rinse under warm water and dry with a soft cloth. I like to use my collection of James Avery cloths, they're just perfect for small items.


THE BAKING SODA & ALUMINUM FOIL METHOD
It sounds like a science experiment, but HURRAY for baking soda! It is such a heavyweight when it comes to uses around the home. This method of cleaning silver works wonders even for heavily tarnished pieces as long as they can stand up to a little heat.
*Not recommended for items set with precious stones or any metal other than silver.  
  1. First, bring a large pot of water to the boil on the stove top. Make sure that the pot is large enough to fit all of your tarnished silver items. Don’t overfill the pot, when you add your pieces the water could over flow.
  2. When the water boils, remove the pot from the heat. Place a piece of aluminum foil into the bottom of your pot, and place your silver items on top, immersed in the boiling water. Start shaking baking soda into the pot. It will foam and bubble, and you’ll notice a sulfuric smell, like rotten eggs. YUK!
  3. The chemical reaction will almost magically remove the tarnish from your silver, as the tarnish will become attracted to the aluminum foil instead of your silver piece. Keep sprinkling in more baking soda until your silver is shiny and clean or until the liquid no longer foams.
  4. When the tarnish is gone, carefully rinse the silver in warm water wash with gentle soap to remove the rest of the baking soda  dry and buff with a soft cloth.  
The water has to be really hot for this to be effective, but if you do it correctly, it works like a charm on tarnished silver. It even gets into the nooks and crannies where you wouldn’t be able to hand-polish the tarnish away. It's the best way to clean your vintage silver, as it is more effective than many silver polishes and you don't want to use harsh chemicals on family pieces.


THE RUBBING ALCOHOL METHOD
For mild mineral spots or residue on your silver rubbing alcohol works well.

  1. Combine 1 part rubbing alcohol to 4 parts water in a bowl.
  2. Dip a clean cloth or rag into the mixture, and rub over silver.
  3. Rinse well with warm water.
  4. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

JEWELRY
If you have silver jewelry set with gemstones that need cleaning, I would hesitate to use the method above. It may cause damage to some gemstones. You might want to take your jewelry to a professional jeweler to have it cleaned. However, if you can't use boiling water, and you would like to clean it yourself, straight baking soda right out of the box is best. 
  1. Mix a tbsp. of baking soda with a small amount of water to make a thick paste. 
  2. Gently rub the paste onto the silver. 
  3. Sit aside for a few minutes.
  4. Rinse with warm water and polish dry with a soft cloth.

HOW TO KEEP SILVER SHINY
Once your beloved silver is shiny again, how do you keep is so? Store silver in anti-tarnish bags or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and sealed in a zip-top bag. Also, do not wear rubber gloves or store anything rubber near the silver. Rubber corrodes silver. Who knew?

Taking care of your silver on a regular basis will keep your family heirlooms and cherished pieces beautiful for years to come. When it's time to 'pass it on' you'll be glad you kept it clean and tarnished free.


ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA


Thursday, March 28

Mr.P's Favorite Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans


Family recipes are our most favorite foods.  We've made them so many times that we don't even need a recipe to follow. Do you have recipes from your mother, mother-in-law, aunts, grandmothers? Are your family recipes filed in a recipe box, stuck between the pages of a cookbook, shoved in a kitchen drawer or like me...in a huge accordion file folder? Do you have written copies of family recipes to pass on to your children and grandchildren? I have to say that I LOVE written recipes the best! I enjoy baking a cake from a recipe that my grandmother wrote out by hand. I somehow feel more connected to her, almost as if she were in the kitchen instructing me on how to make 7 minute frosting.

My niece and her little family live in Maine, her husband is in the Navy. During the holidays we enjoy putting her on  speaker phone or Skype while we are in the kitchen cooking. It helps us keep that bond across the miles. In the early years of her marriage we would talk her through some of the family favorites but now she knows exactly what she's doing and she is doing it quite well.

Jared, our oldest, is a great cook.
L-R..Steph, my sister; Gloria aka MeMe and or mother, and then me..Ronda.
Hand-written recipes are a special gift from past generations and a part of our family history. If we don't preserve them for the next generation these wonderful pieces of history will end with us. Depending on how much time and effort you are willing to spend dictates your method of preservation. You could have them all printed up into a spiral cookbook. You have seen these, every little church has one. You could use pictures of your grandmother or mother at the stove along with their recipes. I might do this someday, but for now I am just scanning recipes. Mr.P has been after me for YEARS to type them up on the computer. I think the need to preserve my  family's recipes is one of the reasons I started blogging. When I post recipes, sometimes there's a story that comes along with it, that's what I want my children and grandchildren to know. They didn't have the privilege of knowing all of their grandmothers, and this food, these recipes will connect generations of our family. I am SO thankful that the young ones in our family enjoy cooking and spending time in the kitchen. They are eager to learn and I'm equally eager to teach them. 


Most of my old recipes have been ripped out of magazines. This  is a scan of a meatloaf recipe I tore out of a magazine back in 1994. It is a staple here at Porter South. Nothing fancy and really easy to prepare. Who knows someday this may be a recipe Elizabeth cooks for her family!


If you have a meatloaf pan use it. It will keep your meatloaf from sitting in fat. If you don't have a meatloaf pan you can buy an aluminum loaf pan and poke holes in the bottom, then sit this down inside your loaf pan. When I take the meatloaf out of the oven to add the glaze I drain off as much fat as I can. It helps the meatloaf to brown on the sides. This is something I do but most definitely not a requirement.


ROASTED GREEN BEANS
These roasted green beans are heavenly. I like my green beans a little crunchy, like at the Chinese buffet! They pair well with this meatloaf. Round out your meal with homemade mashed potatoes. YUM! I think I'm in love!! I know Mr.P is! Hope your family enjoys as well.
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INGREDIENTS
  • 1 pound fresh whole green beans
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chopped tarragon
  • 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
WHAT TO DO
  • Toss 1 pound green beans on a baking sheet with 6 smashed garlic cloves, 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast at 450 degrees F until the beans are tender and slightly charred, about 20 minutes. 
  • Toss with a teaspoons of each: chopped tarragon and whole-grain mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the garlic unless you like to eat them whole.


  MASHED POTATOES
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INGREDIENTS
  • 2 - 2 1/2 pounds Russet Potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cups Butter
  • 1/2 cup to 3/4 cups Half-and-Half
WHAT TO DO
  • Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt and the potatoes. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until a fork easily slides into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost fall apart.
  • Drain the potatoes and add the butter. Mash, mash, mash! Slowly add the half and half, stir and taste for seasoning. You can add more salt and pepper if you like.
  • Stir well and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them in a 350-degree oven and heat until butter is melted and potatoes are warmed through.
Start writing down your families recipes and cooking traditions for your children and your children's children...
...you'll be glad ya  did!

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

MR.P~ my sweetie pea!

Tuesday, March 26

TRAVEL TUESDAY: SAFETY ABROAD

Traveling outside your own backyard can sometimes be a bit intimidating, but contrary to popular belief, the world isn’t dangerous or unsafe. Quite the opposite. Even tho there are some desperate places and people, even in your own home town, these are by far a minority. In fact, you’re more likely to get into trouble at home than travelling abroad. When you travel abroad, the odds are you will have a safe and incident-free trip. Travelers can, however, become victims of crime and violence, or experience unexpected difficulties. Following these common sense travel tips will help you avoid serious difficulties during your time abroad.

Before You Go

What to Take
  • Safety begins while packing. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress in a way that could mark you as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention, leave it home. 
  • Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
  • Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them each in a different place rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. Think Rick Steves.
The RFIDtec 75 keeps your passport safe and protected from thieves looking to steal your identity. This slim, durable, lightweight passport holder is fashioned with RFID-safe blocking material. Skimming is the world's latest and greatest form of pick-pocketing. Today all a thief needs to do is to walk past you in a crowd to steal your information. Slipping your passport  and credit cards inside this holder will keep ALL of your information is safe.

  • If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Pack them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.
  • Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. If possible, lock your luggage.
What to Leave Behind
  • Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:
  1. Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry
  2. All unnecessary credit cards
  3. Your Social Security card, library card, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency.
  • Make photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. Leave this information behind with family or friends.
What to Learn About Before You Go
  • Local Laws and Customs
When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are the Internet, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.

Things to Arrange Before You Go

Your Itinerary
Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level, high enough to deter easy entry from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach.


Legal Documents
Leave a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are away. 
Credit
Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you bring, and avoid charging over that limit while traveling. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad. 1-800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas.



Insurance
Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad. Also, check on whether your health insurance covers you abroad. Consider purchasing a policy designed for travelers, and covering short-term health and emergency assistance, as well as medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.

Precautions to Take While Traveling

Safety on the Street
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially aware in areas where you may be more easily victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and crime-ridden neighborhoods.


  • Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
  • Try not to travel alone at night.
  • Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. Mr.P drug me through a Black Panther rally at midnight in Times Square. Not his best move.
  • Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments.
  • Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
  • Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will: jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, or distract you by creating a disturbance.
  • Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest with your hand resting on it. Walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
  • Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. Try to ask for directions only from individuals in authority.
  • Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • If you are confronted, don't fight back, give up your valuables.


Safety in Your Hotel

  • Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.
  • Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.
  • If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside.
  • Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire, and be sure you know where the nearest fire exits and alternate exits are located. *Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit; this could be a lifesaver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.


Safety on Public Transportation



If a country has a pattern of tourists being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned in each country’s Country Specific Information in the section about crime.
Taxis
Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
Trains
Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourist routes is a problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains.
If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform of the station. Secure your valuables to the best extent possible.
Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem.
Buses
The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. Be aware.


Safety When Driving a Rental Car

  • Keep car doors locked at all times.
  • As much as possible, avoid driving at night. Not being familiar with foreign road signs can be dangerous in the dark.
  • Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight locked in the trunk, and then take them with you when you leave the car.
  • Don't park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.
  • Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.
  • Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuers luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you.


How to Handle Money Safely

  • Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction.
  • Keep at least one credit card in a separate location. If your cash and credit cards are stolen it's hard to replace them in a foreign country. No cash + vacation = NO FUN.

If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of what happened. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of:
  • Credit cards to the issuing company
  • Airline tickets to the airline or travel agent
  • Passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate



My intentions for sharing this information with you were not meant to scare anyone, but to make you aware of how to travel safely. The world is a big place and can sometimes be a bit scary for those who are unaware. So BE AWARE. Travel with your eyes open and be conscientious and vigilant about your surroundings at all times.  Make your foreign travel experience a memorable and safe one....ENJOY TRAVELLING, ALWAYS!

...YOU'LL BE GLAD YA DID!

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA




Monday, March 25

At-Home Facial: How to Get Professional Results and Full-On Pampering Without Straining Your Budget


In addition to a pampering treat, facials are the key to healthy skin, but they can be expensive. To maintain a radiant healthy glow, you should try to fit in two facials per month, or one a week if you can make it happen. Following this simple regime, you will be amazed with the results you can achieve at home. Giving yourself an 'at-home' facial allows you to get a great facial whenever it is convenient for you....no commitment required. And if you get in the habit of doing your own facials, you'll get to know your skin better, what it responds to the best in different situations. Ultimately this will keep your skin healthy, youthful and glowing.  This basic facial works on oily, dry and combination skin, giving you complexion perfection.


CLEANSE
You’ll want to wash your face, neck and ears with a good facial cleanser, like Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash, to remove any grime or dirt. Don't forget to remove eye makeup with a makeup remover such as Clinique, or Neutrogena's eye makeup remover are great options.

STEAM
 
Boil water in a teapot. Put a towel over your head. Open the spout and stoop over the teapot for 30 seconds. Do a series of three steams with a break in between. This loosens oil and dirt for the next step.
EXFOLIATE
Using your fingers, rub a gentle exfoliating facial scrub, Clinique 7 Day Scrub is wonderful, in a circular motion on your face. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be "greasy." Rinse your face well since exfoliating scrubs tend to be drying. If you'd like to make your own try a cornmeal scrub. Mix a paste of finely ground cornmeal and water, spreads it over her face and massage it in as you would a storebought scrub. Rinse with warm water.

MASKS & PEELS
For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask.
Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes (or, according to the directions on the product). Rinse completely. If you'd like to make your own face mask you can find them all over the Internet or use 25 Facial Mask Recipes for 6 Different Skin Types. My favorite is simply 1 whole egg whipped with a spoonful of plain yogurt. Apply to your face and let it completely dry, then rinse. Splash face with cold water to close your facial pores. *If you'd rather try a fruit peel try here or there.

MOISTURIZER
Proper hydration is a crucial part of skin health and anti-aging care. Even oily skin needs hydration (fluid) between the cells.  Apply a small amount of moisturizer by massaging it into skin using your ring and middle finger. Use small upward circular motions. This is one place where a professional facial really stands out. A good facial massage has numerous beneficial elements for skin. When you're giving yourself a facial, be sure not to skimp on the facial massage.


And your done, this regimen leaves your skin refreshed and very clean with a healthy glow. If you can't afford a day at the spa, make time for yourself at home. Give yourself a tailor-made facial in the privacy of your own home. Pamper yourself...
...you'll be glad ya did!

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA



.

Thursday, March 21

LUSCIOUS LEMON CHEESECAKE

BE STILL MY EVER LOVING LEMON HEART......      



This is it. I have found the one single thing I want to savor  as they yell, 'CLEAR!' and apply the defibrillator to my chest! This delightful and lush lemon cheesecake is heavenly. The presentation, excellent creamy texture and intense lemon flavor makes this lemon cheesecake a WINNER! I especially liked the shortbread-style crust. A graham cracker crust would be fine, but this reminded me of the crust you use when making lemon bars....which happen to be celebrities in our home. WE ARE THE LEMON LOVING FAMILY! 

....and can I just pause & sigh just a moment over the lemon curd? It's my new favorite recipe. I achieved a colossal success on the very first attempt! I'm not exactly sure why, but I chose to cook it on the stove top instead of the microwave and it was easy and absolutely perfect. If you choose to go this route, read the recipe and then read it again. Once it gets to going you don't want to take your eyes off your bubblin' pot. This recipe is most definitely a keeper. I did not top our cheesecake with the remaining lemon curd. I could not. My P's stood around eating it by the spoonfuls. Imagine how wonderful it would be served alongside the cheesecake with black, blue or rasp-berries! I'm thinking it would be DE-VINE. Next go around I will be making a double batch.  I have to stop and add my disclaimer on this part of the recipe.....I used less sugar. Maybe 1/3 of a cup less. I'm not a huge fan of overly sweet lemon curd. 

All I can say about the candied lemon slices is mmm...uummm, mmh. Think 'What About Bob?'.... "Oh, Fay, this is SO SCRUMPTIOUS. Is this hand-shucked?" - Bill Murray as Bob Wiley. 'nuff said.

This is a dream of a recipe, but be prepared, it is one of those 'MUST MAKE AHEAD' desserts. Definitely a two day creation, but if you've got the time your concerted efforts will NOT go unnoticed!       

LUSCIOUS LEMON CHEESECAKE, sweet & tart... just the way I like it ... yum! 




Cheesecake


INGREDIENTS
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed 
  • egg yolks 
  • to 2 Tbsp. ice-cold water 
  • (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened 
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 
  • large eggs 
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
  • 2 cups Quick and Easy Lemon Curd, divided
  • Candied Lemon Slices, optional

WHAT TO DO
  • Pulse first 3 ingredients in a food processor 3 or 4 times or just until blended. Add butter, and pulse 5 or 6 times or until crumbly. Whisk together egg yolks and 1 Tbsp. ice-cold water in a small bowl; add to butter mixture, and process until dough forms a ball and pulls away from sides of bowl, adding up to 1 Tbsp. remaining ice-cold water, 1 tsp. at a time, if necessary. Shape dough into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hours.
  • Roll dough into a 14-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Fit dough into a lightly greased 9-inch spring-form pan, gently pressing on bottom and up sides of pan; trim and discard excess dough. Chill 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat oven to 325°. Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer 3 minutes or until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
  • Pour two-thirds of cheesecake batter (about 4 cups) into prepared crust; dollop 1 cup lemon curd over batter in pan, and gently swirl with a knife. LICK KNIFE HERE. Spoon remaining batter into pan.
  • Bake at 325° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or just until center is set. Turn oven off. Let cheesecake stand in oven, with door closed, 15 minutes. Remove cheesecake from oven, and gently run a knife around outer edge of cheesecake to loosen from sides of pan. Do not remove sides of the pan. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Cover and chill 8 to 24 hours.
  • Run a knife around cheesecake again and gently remove sides of the pan. Carefully transfer cheesecake to a serving platter. Spoon remaining 1 cup lemon curd over cheesecake, and top with Candied Lemon Slices; not necessary but a great touch.


Quick and Easy Lemon Curd


The beauty of this lemon curd is you can cook it in the microwave as well as on the stove-top. Either way the results are a buttery rich and smooth as silk lemon curd that will become a huge hit in your circle of friends.


INGREDIENTS                                
  • lemons
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened 
  • 2 cups sugar 
  • 4 eggs

WHAT TO DO
  • Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Gradually add lemon juice to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition; stir in zest. (Mixture will look curdled.) Transfer to a 3-qt. microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave at HIGH 5 minutes, stirring at 1-minute intervals. Microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals, 1 to 2 more minutes or until mixture thickens, coats the back of a spoon, and starts to mound slightly when stirred.
  • Place heavy-duty plastic wrap directly on warm curd (to prevent a film from forming), and chill 4 hours or until firm. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
  • Stove-Top Method: Prepare as directed through Step 2, transferring mixture to a heavy 4-qt. saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 14 to 16 minutes. Proceed as directed in Step 4.

    Candied Lemon Slices

    You can use these candied lemon slices to garnish cakes and other desserts, really cute fourth'd on top of cupcakes or summer drinks. They also make fantastic snacks, if you're a fellow lemon-lover!



    INGREDIENTS 
    • 2 small lemons
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 3/4 cup water


    WHAT TO DO

    • Cut lemons into 1/8-inch-thick rounds; discard seeds. 
    • Stir together sugar, lemon juice, and water in a large skillet over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. 
    • Add lemon slices, and simmer gently, keeping slices in a single layer and turning occasionally, 14 to 16 minutes or until slightly translucent and rinds are softened. 
    • Remove from heat. Place slices in a single layer on a wax paper lined jelly-roll pan. 
    • Cool completely, about 1 hour. 
    • Cover and chill 2 hours to 2 days. 
    • Reserve syrup for another use.