Perfect Lemon Curd

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Juice and Zest
Start by zesting the lemons and juicing them. You’ll need about 1 cup of lemon juice and the zest of about 2 lemons. Be sure to zest only the yellow part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. Set the lemon juice and zest aside for later use.

#### Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until smooth and combined. It’s important to whisk the eggs thoroughly to avoid any lumps in the curd.

#### Step 3: Cook the Lemon Curd
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the egg-sugar mixture. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, ensuring the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Continue stirring for about 10-12 minutes, until the curd thickens to the consistency of heavy cream. You can check the thickness by dipping a spoon into the curd; it should coat the back of the spoon and leave a trail when you run your finger through it. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

#### Step 4: Strain the Curd
Once the curd has thickened, remove it from the heat. To achieve a smooth, velvety texture, strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve to remove any egg bits or zest. This step ensures a silky-smooth consistency, which is one of the hallmarks of a perfect lemon curd.

#### Step 5: Add Butter and Finish
Return the strained curd to the pan over low heat. Add the cubed butter and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the curd. The butter not only makes the curd rich and smooth but also helps stabilize it.

Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor (optional). Once the butter has melted and the curd is smooth, remove the pan from the heat.

#### Step 6: Cool and Store
Transfer the lemon curd into a clean jar or airtight container and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Lemon curd can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks, allowing you to enjoy its tangy goodness for days to come.

### Tips for the Perfect Lemon Curd

– **Use Fresh Lemons**: Fresh lemons make a world of difference when it comes to lemon curd. The zest and juice of fresh lemons will give the curd a much brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
– **Don’t Rush the Cooking Process**: The curd needs time to thicken. Be patient and cook it over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure it thickens properly without curdling.
– **Strain the Curd**: Straining the curd is crucial for achieving a smooth texture. It removes any unwanted zest or cooked egg bits, leaving you with a velvety-smooth curd.
– **Keep the Heat Low**: If the heat is too high, the eggs may scramble, ruining the smooth texture of your curd. Keep the heat low and stir gently to ensure a creamy consistency.

### How to Use Lemon Curd

Lemon curd is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to enjoy it. Here are just a few ideas:

1. **Spread on Toast or Scones**: A spoonful of lemon curd on a warm scone or a piece of toast is the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.
2. **Fill Cakes and Pastries**: Use lemon curd as a filling for cakes, cupcakes, tarts, and pastries. It pairs beautifully with buttery shortcrust or puff pastry.
3. **Top Pancakes or Waffles**: Spoon lemon curd over your morning pancakes or waffles for a fresh, zesty twist on breakfast.
4. **Fill a Pavlova**: Lemon curd is a great topping for a delicate pavlova, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the meringue.
5. **Mix into Yogurt or Ice Cream**: Stir lemon curd into plain yogurt or serve it alongside homemade ice cream for a bright, tangy contrast to creamy textures.

### Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Recipe

This **Perfect Lemon Curd** recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and endless versatility, it’s the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. The zesty lemon flavor paired with a smooth, rich texture makes it the ideal spread for everything from morning toast to a decadent dessert filling.

Whether you’re hosting a tea party, preparing a festive dessert, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, lemon curd adds a touch of elegance and flavor to any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and let it become your go-to for homemade, perfect lemon curd every time!

### Conclusion

Making your own **Perfect Lemon Curd** is a rewarding experience that produces a beautifully smooth, sweet, and tangy spread. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest with creamy butter creates a curd that enhances both simple and complex dishes. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll always have a jar of homemade lemon curd on hand to elevate your meals and desserts. Enjoy the sunshine in a jar with this refreshing treat!