Lemon Extract

Introduction

History

Lemon extract has been used in cooking for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. The process of extracting the essence of lemon to create a concentrated flavoring agent has been perfected over the years, resulting in the lemon extract we know and love today.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making lemon extract, be sure to use organic lemons to avoid any pesticides or chemicals that may be present on the peel. Additionally, make sure to store the extract in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and potency.

Serving Suggestions

Use this homemade lemon extract in baked goods, salad dressings, marinades, and cocktails for a bright and refreshing flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful lemon extract is to steep the lemon peel in vodka and water for at least 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together and create a concentrated extract.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vodka on hand, you can use rum or gin as a substitute. However, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile of the extract.

Make Ahead Tips

This lemon extract can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. The longer it sits, the more intense the lemon flavor will become.

Presentation Ideas

Transfer the lemon extract into small glass bottles and label them with decorative labels for a homemade touch. This extract also makes a great gift for the foodies in your life.

Pairing Recommendations

Use this lemon extract in combination with other citrus flavors, such as lemon zest or lemon juice, to create a complex and vibrant dish. It pairs well with seafood, poultry, and desserts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the lemon extract in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor. If the extract starts to lose its potency, you can add more lemon peel and let it steep for a few more days to refresh the flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 0

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 0g

Fats

Total Fat: 0g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 0g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Alergens

This lemon extract recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

This lemon extract is a low-calorie, fat-free ingredient that can add a burst of citrus flavor to your dishes without adding any extra calories or unhealthy fats.

Summary

Homemade lemon extract is a simple and versatile ingredient that can add a burst of citrus flavor to a variety of dishes. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a flavorful extract that will elevate your cooking to the next level.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished picking a fresh batch of lemons from my backyard tree. As I sat at my kitchen table, flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my own grandmother, I stumbled upon the recipe for lemon extract.

I had always loved the bright, citrusy flavor of lemons, and the idea of making my own extract from scratch was incredibly appealing to me. The recipe called for just a few simple ingredients – lemons, vodka, and a bit of sugar – but the process seemed so intriguing and magical.

I remembered my grandmother telling me stories about how she used to make her own extracts and tinctures from herbs and fruits she grew in her garden. She would spend hours in her kitchen, carefully measuring out ingredients and tending to her concoctions as they brewed and matured. The thought of following in her footsteps and creating my own homemade lemon extract filled me with excitement and nostalgia.

Without hesitation, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work. I carefully zested the lemons, being sure to avoid the bitter white pith, and placed the fragrant peels into a clean glass jar. I then poured in the vodka, watching as it turned a sunny yellow hue as the lemon zest infused its bright flavor into the alcohol.

As the days passed, I would shake the jar gently every so often, watching as the liquid deepened in color and the aroma of fresh lemons filled my kitchen. The anticipation of tasting my homemade lemon extract grew with each passing day, and I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

Finally, after several weeks of patiently waiting, I strained the liquid through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the spent lemon peels. The resulting liquid was a vibrant yellow, with a strong, zesty lemon aroma that made my mouth water. I added a touch of sugar to sweeten the extract slightly, then poured it into a small glass bottle, labeling it with the date and the recipe name.

I couldn't resist trying a drop of the extract on my fingertip, and the flavor was pure sunshine – bright, tangy, and bursting with fresh lemon goodness. I knew that this homemade lemon extract would elevate any recipe I used it in, adding a touch of brightness and freshness that store-bought extracts could never match.

From that day on, I made sure to always have a bottle of homemade lemon extract in my pantry. I used it in everything from baked goods to cocktails, adding a splash of citrusy flavor to my favorite dishes. Each time I used it, I thought of my grandmother and the love and care she put into her own homemade creations.

Over the years, I have shared my recipe for lemon extract with friends and family, passing down the tradition of homemade extracts and tinctures. It brings me joy to see others enjoy the fruits of my labor, and I hope that they, too, will feel the same sense of satisfaction and connection to the past that I do when they use my homemade lemon extract.

In the end, making my own lemon extract has become more than just a kitchen experiment – it is a way for me to honor my grandmother and the culinary traditions she passed down to me. And as I continue to explore new recipes and techniques in the kitchen, I know that her spirit and love of cooking will always be with me, guiding me along the way.

Categories

| Italian Recipes | Lemon Extract Recipes | Vodka Drink Recipes |

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