Lemon Curd (Joy of Cooking)

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Ingredients

  • 3 3 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 3/4 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/3 1/3 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
  • 1/2 1/2 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1 1 tablespoon finely shredded lemon zest (outer yellow skin of lemon)

Preparation

Step 1

Lemon Curd:
In a stainless steel bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and lemon juice until blended.

Cook, stirring constantly (to prevent it from curdling), until the mixture becomes thick (like sour cream or a hollandaise sauce) (160 degrees F or 71 degrees C). This will take approximately 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and immediately pour through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. Cut the butter into small pieces and whisk into the mixture until the butter has melted.

Add the lemon zest and let cool.

The lemon curd will continue to thicken as it cools. Cover immediately (so a skin doesn't form) and refrigerate for a week.

Makes 1 1/2 cups (360 ml).

Note: If you want a lighter lemon curd whip 1/2 cup (120 ml) of heavy whipping cream and fold it into the lemon curd.