The Lemon Tree

We have lived in our home for almost 2 years now. When we first moved in we had this beautiful big lemon tree ~ full of fruit... the visions of yummy lemon slice and homemade lemonade were on the horizon. Although much to my dismay it was full of gall wasp*, so the whole thing had to be cut down and burnt. Every single juicy lemon was burnt or with much fun (to my husband and son) 'pegged' into the damn.

Well a year and a half on and we are finally full of lemons and thriving once again. I have taken care to prune the tree regularily and remove any lemons with scale, lots of spraying and the result has been some very BIG juicy sweet lemons. It is so nice being able to give out produce from your own garden: lemons anyone?

*Citrus Gall Wasp: Lumpy growths on young leaf stems, leaf mid-ribs and fruit stalks of citrus trees are caused by a pest called the citrus gall wasp (Bruchophagus fellis). All citrus trees are attacked, but grapefruit and rough lemons are the most susceptible.    

Homemade lemonade experience

Our lemons are finally turning yellow, and there are alot of them. 

My eldest son (only 4) had this longing to make homemade lemonade. He must have seen it on a show or movie. So I searched and found a fantastic old fashioned style homemade lemonade recipe. Here is the link. I had never tasted homemade lemonade so I was looking forward to the experience. I think every child has visions of selling homemade lemonade at the front of their house at one of those rickety crate style stands.

I liked it and so did he. Although it is ever so slightly tart, it can definately be enjoyed with a sweet treat as it is often seen on the movies. I think my lemons could be slightly riper next time to get it a little sweeter.

Lemon Curd

I have an abundance of lemons, so have been experimenting and creating lots of yummy lemony things. This is yummy lemon curd. And so easy to make!

Taken from Taste.com.au

Ingredients:

2 eggs
2 egg yolks
3/4 Cup Sugar
Juice & Zest from 2 Lemons
1/3 Cup Chilled Unsalted Butter

1. In a medium saucepan combine the eggs, yolks and sugar.
2. Place over low heat.
3. Add the butter, juice and rind.
4. Using a whisk, stir constantly until the curd thickens.
5. To test when it is ready, run your finger down the back of a wooden spoon, if it leaves a clear path, the curd is ready. It will set once it cools.
6. Strain and jar, allow to cool before sealing jar.

YUM!