Candied Lemon Peel

Remember the lemon that blossomed, bloomed, matured and turned yellow in my family room? I used the peel to make candied lemon peel! I am feeling joyous about this. Not just because I got an actual lemon from a house plant! But because the peels are so outrageously delicious. Which is why I say the recipe serves 1-4 people. Because I finished almost all of it all by myself. What did I do with the juice? Stay tuned ….

CANDIED LEMON PEEL

• 1 large or 2 small lemons

• Boiling water

• 1 cup water

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon sugar for coating

Peel the lemon into strips, being careful not to include any of the lemon flesh. Scrape the white part to remove any excess pith, but leave some pith (it adds good texture). Cut the strips into narrower strips. Place the strips in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand for 3 minutes. Repeat this process one time. Drain the peels and set them aside. Place the cup of water and 2/3 cup sugar into a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the peels. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the strips are soft and translucent. Drain the strips (save the liquid for use in other recipes, cocktails or other beverages) and place them on a dish. Sprinkle with the teaspoon of sugar and toss to coat them completely. Place the strips in a single layer on a cookie sheet or some parchment paper. Let cool. Makes 1-4 servings #lemon #lemonpeel #candiedlemonpeel #candiedpeel

Chocolate Yogurt Bread

A few days ago @DanaLShrager (@JewishCooking Facebook group) asked for ideas — other than hamantashen — about what might make good mishloach manot for Purim. My suggestions included muffins, quickbreads and other homemade food goodies.

Like this chocolate bread. It’s rich and tender because it’s made with yogurt. It’s also easy to prepare and can be wrapped nicely to give away as a gift. You can add raisins or chopped nuts, or even leave out the chips. For sure, it’s a winner for Purim or any time.

Chocolate Yogurt Bread

• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate

• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1-1/4 cups sugar

• 1/3 cup vegetable shortening

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1-1/2 cups plain yogurt

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9”x5” loaf pan. Melt the chocolate and set it aside to cool. Mix the flour, baking soda and salt together and set it aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer set at medium, cream the sugar and shortening together. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the yogurt. Stir in the chocolate and mix until ingredients are well blended. Stir in the chips, if used. Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert onto a rack to cool completely. Makes one bread

Chocolate-Dipped Dried Fruit

I love when one idea works for so many different things. Take chocolate dipped dried fruit for instance. It’s easy to prepare. Who doesn’t like that? It’s a lovely Valentine’s gift (and a whole lot cheaper than boxed fancy candy!). It’s also a perfect mishloach manot gift for Purim (and a whole whole lot cheaper than a gift basket!). And here’s one more — it’s a delicious, sweet end to a Superbowl meal!

All of you have to do is melt chocolate, dip the fruit halfway in and place the dipped item on parchment paper or foil (it will set in about 30 minutes). Of course you can do the same thing with fresh fruit! How good is this!?

Candied Lemon Peel

You know those two lemons that ripened on my house plant lemon tree? The ones I posted about a while back? I used the juice to make ice cream, which was incredibly delicious (more about that another time). I candied the peel. Some we ate plain. Some I dipped in chocolate and we ate those too! Oh my were these awesomely good! Really! I used @toriavey’s recipe because I hadn’t made these before and didn’t have a recipe of my own. Thanks Tori! #lemonpeel #candiedlemonpeel #wastenot #wastenotwantnot #homemadecandy

Here is the recipe: https://toriavey.com/how-to-make-candied-lemon-peels/

Btw these make a terrific gift — remember this recipe for Valentine’s Day or Purim!