Baking with Citrus – Tammy McLeod

Lemon and lime flavoured baked goods are always warmly received. Tangy citrus flavours are a delicious ^[1]contrast to the sweetness of a cake or slice. It is the rare person who turns down a piece of sticky lemon slice ^[2] or lime syrup cake ^[3].Citrus fruit is in season now, in the middle of winter. It is as if Mother Nature is giving us something bright and cheerful to brighten up dreary winter. I always have a bowl of lemons in my kitchen, regardless of the season, as I find that lemon juice is a great way to give a flavour boost to a myriad of dishes. Limes are a little less common place, but when they are in season I juice them and then freeze the juice in ice-cubes, ready for use. Lime juice is a must in Thai cooking ^[4], but I also find the extra zinginess of limes are perfect in baking.

Lemons and limes are almost interchangeable in baking – if you don’t have limes, you can always use a lemon. The zesty flavours are perfect in desserts – citrus tart ^[5] is an all time favourite, originating in France,  (where it is known as tarte au citron) lemons or limes can be used and the smooth creaminess is a perfect after dinnner touch.  Lemon meringue pie ^[6] is another all time favourite along with cheesecake ^[7] and mousse.

It is always good to have something lemony in the tins. Sticky lemon slice ^[2] is a perennial favourite and can double as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or yoghurt. Lemon syrup cake ^[8]is another much loved tin filler. If you have baked a plain cake or loaf you can whip up a lemon or lime syrup (use the zest and juice of 2 lemons or 3 smaller limes with ½ c each sugar and water, stir over heat until the sugar is dissolved and then simmer until syrupy), drench your cake in the hot syrup and you have a fabulous syrup cake!

A simple lemon or lime icing (mix enough juice into icing sugar to give a pourable icing) can be drizzled over plain cakes, loaves or biscuits for a tartness to match the sweet of the baking. Lemon or lime curd ^[9] is the perfect ingredient to add when wanting to make something effortless look fabulous! Try putting it in mini tart cases, use to fill the middle of cupcakes or muffins ^[10], swirl through cheesecake or ice-cream, serve with pancakes, use in steamed pudding instead of jam,- the list goes on.

lemon cordial ^[11]
lemon syrup loaf ^[8]

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