Lemon curd: The Tart Yet Sweet Spread That's Making Waves Again

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When we think of traditional British treats, lemon curd often comes to mind alongside classic favorites like jam and preserves. This thick, soft, velvety cream has been a staple in many an English household for centuries, but its popularity seems to ebb and flow with the seasons.

What exactly is this deliciously tart yet sweet spread that's making such waves again? At its core, lemon curd is nothing more than a type of stirred custard made from simple ingredients: eggs, sugar, butter or other fats (like margarine for those on a dairy-free diet), and – you guessed it! – plenty of fresh lemons.

But don't let the simplicity fool you; when these seemingly innocuous elements are brought together under heat and acid's loving gaze, magic happens. The egg proteins begin to bond in an intricate dance with each other as well as with any added stabilizers present (such as cornstarrin or guar gum), resulting in a smooth yet firm texture that simply melts in the mouth.

Traditionally speaking, lemon curd was always served alongside warm scones fresh from the oven – think proper afternoon tea-style fare! However, times have changed and so too has our palate. Today you're just as likely to find this tangy treasure dolloped liberally onto toast or even used as a luxurious base for cakes and tarts.

So why is lemon curd experiencing such a renaissance? Perhaps it's due in part to the growing interest in home cooking, combined with an increasing desire among foodies alike to experiment with more unusual flavor profiles. Whatever the reason may be, one thing remains certain: once you've tasted this heavenly spread for yourself – made from scratch using nothing but fresh ingredients, naturally! – you'll understand why lemon curd has become so synonymous with old-school British charm all over again.

So go ahead and give it a try; I promise your taste buds won't be disappointed!

References:

- 'Lemon Curd' (Wikipedia)

- 'The Joy of Cooking: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art & Science of Real Home-Cooking, 30th Anniversary Edition'

Note from author:

When making lemon curd at home always ensure that all ingredients are fresh and of good quality. This will help prevent spoilage as well as enhance overall flavor profile.

Also remember never leave any unattended while cooking on medium-high heat due to risk of burning easily!