Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
Preserved lemons are the darlings of citrus season. They're the perfect counterpoint to a dreary winter's day, adding bright flavors to slow cooked dishes like beans & grains, braised meats, salads & sweets. And they're fabulous in a martini.
This time of year I have been buying bags full of organic citrus. I usually freeze the zest if I'm not using it right away, but here's another great, easy way to preserve it, and there are so many uses for this great condiment.
Preserved Lemons, the secret ingredient to many Middle Eastern dishes, are easily made at home in a brine of salt and lemon juice. Add in the optional spices for an extra kick.
Pears, cranberries and lemons. The resulting preserve is more like a compote than a true marmalade. Something between a marm and a rustic jam. It’s chunky, toothsome, tart, sweet and very slightly bitter.
When the hubby and I gleaned buckets of food not too long ago, I immediately knew I’d be dehydrating some of it. Turns out that I dehydrated most of it and have discovered many great uses for dried foods.
Homemade preserved lemons are easy to make, far better than any you can buy in a store, and go well with anything from soups and stews to salads and seafood.
