12.05.2012

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons!


Our lemon tree is heavy with ripe fruit right now. 
Here's a great idea to preserve some of that lemony goodness, make limoncello. 
Limoncello is an Italian liqueur, traditionally served chilled after dinner.
It's delicious and easy to make.


 Limoncello

Yeilds about 1 1/2 quarts

  10     lemons, organic or pesticide free 
750     ml bottle of pure grain alchol (Everclear 151) or high proof vodka
    3     cups water
1 1/2  to 2 cups sugar

1. Wash and dry lemons. Zest with a microplane zester or peel and remove pith (white part) as it will make your Limoncello bitter.
2. In a large glass jar, mix the lemon peels with the alcohol.
3. Seal jar and put in a cool, dry place to steep for anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.
4. Unseal and bring water and sugar to a boil for 5 minutes. Let cool completely. 
5. Mix sugar syrup with alcohol and lemon peels.
6. Return jar to the cool, dry place for another 2 weeks.
7. Strain the mixture through a coffee filter. You can strain several times for a clear Limoncello or leave it cloudy. Either way it's great!
8. Store the Limoncello in the freezer and serve chilled.

Cin Cin !