Monday, May 12, 2014

Lemons in a Bottle

Some time ago
I was privileged to attend an Italian
cooking school class
and had a taste of Homemade Limoncello.
I was inspired to try to make my own
and today was the day to bottled it.
It's in the freezer ...



...so bring on Summa'
Can't wait to try some of this lemony goodness - maybe this
coming long weekend?



Here is the recipe I used:

15 lemons - thick skinned and scrubbed/washed
2 750 ml. bottles Vodka
4 Cups sugar
5 Cups filtered water
Zest the lemons (I used my vegetable peeler) being careful there is no white pith on the peel. Place the peel into a large glass jar. Add the vodka, put lid on jar and let it "steep" at room temperature for at least 10 to 40 days (in cool dark place). I set the jar in my basement. Now the challenge is to know what to do with the peeled lemons!? I juiced them and froze the juice for future lemon-aid or maybe a lemon pie or two!!
After the 10-40 day period, make a simple syrup by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan. Boil gently for 5-7 minutes. Cool the syrup before adding it to the Limoncello mixture. Cover the jar again and allow this mixture to rest for another 10-40 days. 
After the rest period, strain the Limoncello through a fine sieve lined with cheesecloth or a moistened coffee filter. Discard the lemon peel. Pour the Limoncello into glass bottles, seal tightly and store in your freezer.
Serve ice cold from the freezer in frozen shot glasses or on the rocks. A nice little treat after a great meal. This liqueur can also be used in mixed drinks or spritzers.


Do you have anything special planned
for this upcoming long weekend?



Till next time ......enjoying this long awaited Spring of 2014!!


12 comments:

  1. Oh, that sounds wonderful, Rosella! I do like limoncello, but I don't think I'd have the patience to wait all those days, LOL! It's not a long weekend here for us in the states; but this weekend is my favorite Greek festival at a local church, and I can't wait to go stuff myself!

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  2. That looks so pretty bottled up! This isn't a long weekend yet for us down here in the states although most of my weekends have been long lately LOL!
    Enjoy your extra day. I'll be in Orlando Florida finally re-uniting with my Dear...

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  3. Sounds rather tasty and refreshing and it sure looks pretty!

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  4. Looks good Rosella. Chilled summer sipper!

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  5. If I had a lemon tree I'd jump right in and use up the lemons with this recipe. Wouldn't it make for a lovely gift? I miss having lemons at the ready in my garden. Did you know lemons trees have both flower and fruit at the same time and that the leaves and wood, flowers and fruit all are scented? A Jewish festival has a place where citrus fruit is held up. Quite a lot of symbolism there.

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  6. I made homemade limoncello for my book club Christmas gifts one year...they loved it. I think it may be time for another batch! Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day, Rosella!!!

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  7. Sounds refreshing...and looks so pretty!

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  8. I'm sure that would be really good!

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  9. Oh my but that sounds like something I could do. I have a bottle in my fridge, from the last time I crossed the border. It is very good with sparkling water!

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  10. This sounds excellent..when we were in the Mediterranean, I drank those every day. Thank you for sharing your recipe. That will be on my list of summer drinks.

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  11. I just bought a bottle of lemoncello after a girl at work told me it was one of her father's favourite liqueurs. Then I was hearing how easy it was to make it. So wierd that I found your sour cream rhubarb muffin recipe while doing a search this morning and then found this recipe, lol!! I am going to try this!!

    My favourite way to drink it is on the rocks on a hot day. I leave my bottle on the counter though so it melts the cubes a bit otherwise it's a little too strong for me ;)

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