Believe or not, I think my family and friends are getting tired of getting the obligatory jar of jam for Christmas, so this year I wanted to do something completely different.
Elixirs for Xmas will be a brief series here at EE, prior to the holiday season.
Why so early?
Because all of these infusions have to meld together. Today, let’s make homemade lemon extract.
We traveled to Houston two weeks ago and my mother-in-law sent me back with a shopping bag full of Myer lemons off the tree in her backyard. It was loaded.
I figured I couldn’t get more organic than that, right?
These lemons are huge. I got 1 tablespoon of zest from just one lemon.
Homemade Lemon Extract
from Common Sense Homemaking1 organic lemon, zested (Don’t use the pith or white part)
1 t. sugar
1/2 c. 80 proof vodkaPlace all ingredients in a sterilized glass jar. Place on lid.
Shake the jar once a day for a month. (Write the date on the jar lid with a marker so you can easily keep track.) The flavor improves with age and you can leave this for up to three months.
When finished, strain through a cheesecloth lined sieve into a dark bottle. Store in a cool, dark location.
Tip o’ the day: When using extract in a recipe, 1 teaspoon lemon extract = 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel.
When my mother visits, she often putters around my kitchen. If she is staying with us during the work week, I often get calls from her at my office.
“Do you have any lemon extract?”
I don’t remember what she was making, but I got chastised when I got home. “How can you not have any lemon extract?” I just hate buying artificial flavorings, even when they say they are “pure.”
My mom is the inspiration for this elixir and I bet you can guess who will be getting a small bottle of this for Xmas.
(“Do you have any lard?” This was another question she posed to me over the phone during a visit. Yes, she actually wanted some to make pie crusts. I am sure they would have been much flakier with lard but she had to settle for shortening from my pantry.)
I need to make this too! Didn’t know it is so easy!!! Thanks for sharing, Debra.
I can’t wait to see how it turns out in about three more weeks.
I love the idea of Elixirs for Xmas! And lemon is one of my favorite flavors, so this one is so appropriate for me. Who knew it was so easy?! Thanks for this.
This makes me think of all other lemony and citrus infusions.
I have to admit that I don’t have any lemon extract in my kitchen (or lard for that matter). I do zest lemons and freeze the stuff so I have it when I need it, even if I don’t have any lemons. This would be easier and so much more fun though.
I need to zest away because I need to do something with these lemons, pronto! Freezing the zest is a great idea.
I have a store bought lemon extract but nothing beats up the homemade one!
I certainly hope so, Katerina. I really don’t use much of it. I worry if it will be strong enough. We shall see….
That looks so refreshing 😀
Need to try this!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I bet you could use a ton of it with all the sweet treats you make.
What a terrific holiday gift! I need to make something for my book club, so thanks for the inspiration.
These would make great gifts to accompany one of your wonderful recipes!
Never thought of making lemon extract. What a great idea! I know a couple of people that would love this as gifts!
I’m ramping up to make some more this weekend. Gotta use those lemons.
I can’t imagine getting tired of getting homemade jam but I know I would be thrilled with this lemon extract. Cool idea!
Well, I like to mix it up!
I’m SO making this!! I’ve been making my own vanilla for years, but Lemon Extract never crossed my mind. So similar to Limoncello… and I have the perfect little jars to put this in. Excellent idea!
I have yet to figure out what I will put the finished project in.
I love this! I never thought about making this and with Meyer Lemon season coming up, I’ll be making it very soon!
I’m interested in how it will turn out in comparison with a regular lemon.
Fabulous! I am loving all of the food gifts you are making for the holidays. 😉
Thanks, Deb. I am getting into the “spirit”! (Get it?) 🙂
Lemon is my all time fav, just when I think I’ve done all things lemony you surprise me. My lemon tree has 4 lemons that are just waiting to become some extract!
Our tree is totally mixed up on seasons (due to some defoliating issues) and I am just now getting blooms. Hope you try it, Rhonda.