Currently, I’m really digging:
the Alison Krauss and Robert Plant album
fresh honeycomb from Savannah Bee Company on…everything
garage green screens
fresh fennel
a sweet t-shirt from 1996 that I just found in the back of my closet
my fuzzy leopard slippers
and…
lemon.
I love the way that using just a little fresh lemon zest really brightens up recipes…baked goods, especially.
I love being subtle with it, causing only the hint of brightness…something you can taste but can’t put your finger on.
I also love going strong: creating baked goods so creamy and lemony that it takes you straight back to summer, even on the chilliest of days.
When I was little, my parents would sometimes take my brother and I to Ben & Jerry’s for dessert.
This was special in and of itself because my mom loved to make dessert at home usually, creamy chocolate mousses and meringue cookies were favorites in our house. However, some nights we loaded up and headed downtown to Ben & Jerry’s. It was right on the water and we loved to eat our ice cream and watch the boats go by.
I always ordered the exact same thing: lemon sorbet in a waffle cone.
There was just something about the puckery sweet sorbet and the crunchy cone that satisfied like nothing else. I loved the last little bit, that laaaast bit of waffle cone with melted lemon sorbet soaking through.
What about you? Are you a lemon fan? What’s your favorite citrus flavored treat?
Hope
November 16, 2010 at 11:57 ammmm I love lemon! Esp in hot water – somehow feels like it cleans the system out lol!
But lemon juice and sugar on pancakes is my favourite way to enjoy our little yellow friends!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
November 16, 2010 at 11:59 amI love lemon everything! I didn’t used to dig lemon desserts, but lemon bars have recently become one of my all time favorites!
Jordan
November 16, 2010 at 12:01 pmThere isn’t anything that can’t be improved with lemon zest! Especially pasta sauce! And personally, I’m perfectly content to cut out the middleman and just eat a lemon.
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
November 16, 2010 at 12:13 pmi dig fresh honeycomb too! Only mine comes from my straight from my Uncle who is a bee-keeper and lives “just-around-the-corner” from us…love! As for citrus…I love lemon and orange zest in….a thin powdered sugar glaze to drizzle over banana walnut bread. Seriously awesome!
love,
cathy b.
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
November 16, 2010 at 12:15 pm**comes straight from my Uncle…the way I typ-oed made it sounds like I was really mention that my Uncle was straight! lol…
cathy b.
Amber K
November 16, 2010 at 12:15 pmLemon is okay, although I’m not in love. What I HATE is sorbet. Waaaaaaaaay too icy for me. I hope I never have to go completely dairy-free because there is nothing that can truly replace my loves. (especially while keeping soy-free!)
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations
November 16, 2010 at 12:18 pmOh, I love lemon very much. One Favorite: lemon pudding… eat it slow and savor the lemonyness.
Victoria (District Chocoholic)
November 16, 2010 at 12:24 pmLemon=infused chocolate ganache. Necessary for life.
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
November 16, 2010 at 12:24 pmLemon flavored treats were one of my biggest cravings during the first trimester of this pregnancy. Good thing a large chunk of that was spring/summer so there were many available. 😀
Laura
November 16, 2010 at 12:25 pmI enjoy lemon, I think I LOVE limes more though. I’m so use to drinking water with lemon (or lime juice) in it that regular water is starting to taste weird without it.
Totally agree with how a lemon can brighten your food. I used it just the other night in my turkey milanese , adds such a great fresh flavor.
Amanda
November 16, 2010 at 12:25 pmI LOVE lemons and will actually eat them raw…I have a taste for sour things. My favorite lemon treat is probably lemon sorbet
tina
November 16, 2010 at 12:27 pmmmmm a homemade lemon dressing- little olive oil, garlic, pepper with parmasean and ARUGULA…. mmmm and some crusty bread! afternoon snack, please!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
November 16, 2010 at 12:29 pmLemon is by far my favorite citrus fruit!
When I was pregnant I use to peel them like an orange, sprinkle salt on them and devour them!
Lisa
November 16, 2010 at 12:29 pmI love lemon flavored anything. One of my secrets is to add lemon zest to french toast. AMAZING! Really makes the flavor wonderful.
Suzanne
November 16, 2010 at 12:30 pmI am a lemon lover…just wish I had a green thumb and could actually get my lemon tree to produce some lemons.
Nicole (the other one)
November 16, 2010 at 1:12 pmI wish I lived in a climate where I could even have a lemon tree!
I make a pasta sauce with chicken stock, white wine, shallots, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest. Toss with pasta, shrimp and french feta.
Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather
November 16, 2010 at 12:31 pmI love adding just a touch of lemon. It truly brightens up a dish. Lemon pancakes with blueberries are a favorite of mine.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
November 16, 2010 at 12:31 pmI’m a lemon lover, but it’s not my go to sweet treat!
Kara @ Kara's Marathon
November 16, 2010 at 12:31 pmHomemade lemon bars with a ridiculously buttery crust will always be my #1 favorite citrus treat. Lemon zinger tea, while also delicious, comes in at a VERY distant second…
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day
November 16, 2010 at 12:33 pmSo funny…I just wrote a post last night on my love of lemon. If there are two desserts in front of me, once chocolate, one lemon. I will always choose the lemon.
kate
November 16, 2010 at 12:36 pmIm a fan of the whole citrus family. And lemon bars are in a category all on their own.
Ashley
November 16, 2010 at 12:55 pmI find your blog so entertaining — not going to lie didn’t like the change at first — but now it’s my daily entertainment. It’s a nice change from all the other blogs. Just thought I’d let you know your blog rocks!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
November 16, 2010 at 12:59 pmI love lemon and lime. I can never have too much citrus, much to the dismay of my husband, whose taste buds don’t like the acidic as much as I do.
shelly
November 16, 2010 at 1:00 pmI’m loving lemon in savory applications lately. My current favorite it barley cooked with half a lemon and a couple cloves of garlic topped with asparagus, green onion sauce ( cook chopped green onions in olive oil, then puree), and a fried egg!
Katy @ A Healthy Shot
November 16, 2010 at 1:14 pmI put lemon on/in everything! Always in my water, usually on salads, stir-frys, etc. And every now and then I just eat lemon slices like an orange 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil' Kitchen
November 16, 2010 at 1:20 pmLOVE lemon. I put it in the simplest of things – like my water…and I love what a little zest does to just about anything!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
November 16, 2010 at 1:22 pmit’s all about the lemon tarts for me…creamy, lemony sweetness 🙂
Beth @ www.DiningAndDishing.com
November 16, 2010 at 1:32 pmI am definitely a chocolate girl above all else but my #2 when it comes to desserts is lemon. I think it’s really refreshing after a good meal. I made a lemon curd and fresh berry trifle a few times this summer that was excellent.
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
November 16, 2010 at 1:41 pmI’m definitely a chocolate lover above all else but lemon is my #2 favorite dessert flavor. It’s so refreshing after a good meal. I made a lemon curd and fresh berry triffle twice this summer that was excellent.
Jillian @ Reshape Your Life
November 16, 2010 at 1:53 pmI like my lemon sweet more than tart… So lemon bars would be my favorite way to enjoy lemon. But I do like a little lemon in my tea. 🙂
Alexia @ DimpleSnatcher
November 16, 2010 at 1:54 pmSpeaking of Alison Krauss, one of her songwriters, Julie Lee, was a guest performer at our church in NYC this past weekend. Beautiful voice & songs. Sigh.
About lemons: I loved them especially this way. Mixed with water & lots of white sugar, still living in Jamaica, little, and I would ask my friends, “Guess if this is water or lemonade?!”
Thanks for reminding me, Jenna.
the salty girl
November 16, 2010 at 1:57 pmI lerve lemon curd! It’s so tart, thick and sweet!
Ray
November 16, 2010 at 2:01 pmThose lemon bars look ahhhmaaazing!
If I had the ingredients I’d be making them RIGHT now.
Jennifer @ Jane Deere
November 16, 2010 at 2:15 pmI LOVE lemons! I remember eating them with the the salt shaker by my side. I’d sprinkle some salt and lick it off and repeat…it was sooo good! My favorite lemon dessert is Lemon Four Layer Dessert. My mom has made it since I was young; she usually makes either chocolate or lemon. YUM!
rachel @ suburban yogini
November 16, 2010 at 2:20 pmI LOVE that album…. And everything Robert Plant ever does…and lemons too of course!
OC2Seattle
November 16, 2010 at 2:27 pmAdore lemon. I drink it every morning in hot water to help my allergies and I have a blissfullye asy and delicious lemon cake recipe I bust out for dinner parties in the spring.
Britt @ Runnerbelle
November 16, 2010 at 2:35 pmLove citrus! My favorite currently is orange and orange zest!
Maggie @ Flour Child
November 16, 2010 at 2:39 pmI share your love of lemons, which you’ve captured so perfectly in this post. I used to eat Meyer lemons like they were oranges. (Don’t try it at home; I damanged my tooth enamel.)
My favorite citrus treats are lemon squares and lemon buttermilk chocolate chip cookies. You can find the recipes here:
http://www.flourchildblog.com/2010/06/recipe-lemon-buttermilk-chocolate-chip.html
http://www.flourchildblog.com/2010/08/lemon-squares-gluten-and-dairy-free.html
Cheers!
Madeline @ Spidatter
November 16, 2010 at 2:46 pmBLOOD ORANGE GELATO
I just got back from culinary school in Florence, Italy. And I ate WAY too much of it. But I’m totally fine with that. When in Italy…
Katie
November 16, 2010 at 2:51 pmI think you should do more ingredients profiles like this. 🙂
I love lemon. Lemon bars are so good. And I always love to put a lemon in my water, club soda, or tea. Oh, and wheat beer too!
Courtney
November 16, 2010 at 2:54 pmNot a huge fan of lemon. Alison Krauss, however, can do no wrong in my book!
Natalia - a side of simple
November 16, 2010 at 2:58 pmI’m not really a lemon fan, but I AM a fan of your pictures of lemons! My mom has been craving lemony baked goods/custards lately, so I know she would appreciate your devotion 🙂
Liana @ femme fraiche
November 16, 2010 at 2:59 pmLemon granita enjoyed on a beach break in Italy…nothing quite so perfect and refreshing….
Those look like a similar recipe I use at home called lemon squares…I wonder if they’re the same? The treats with the icing sugar on top…
Nikki
November 16, 2010 at 3:00 pmI love all things lemon. Savory things with lemon, sweet things… yum! I also love your site; I just perused the entire thing (after being a devoted reader for about 6 months!) and I love it!
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks
November 16, 2010 at 3:06 pmI love Alison Krauss!
..and I love lemon bars. Your picture is killing me. I want one bad!
Lizzie
November 16, 2010 at 3:17 pmMy husband says if I could, I would just put lemon on everything. I love it. My b’day dessert made by my mum is all about lemon. I feel like any fish dish is incomplete without it. I’m planning on making those Big Sur lemons bars as a Christmas gift. I go out of my way to buy lemon/citrus scented dishwashing detergent/hand lotion/hand soap etc. I love it. Have I mentioned that? We grew up with a lemon tree in our backyard. They were SO good. The only ones I have found that compare were at a farmers market in Santa Barbara. I will happily eat lemon/lime wedges even if they are a garnish. Except for those cute little wedges they sit atop martini glasses – they get placed gently in the drink for more lemon/citrus taste. So, yes. Lemon!!! 🙂
Richard
November 16, 2010 at 3:21 pmJust a small piece of a Lemon Larabar is an unbelievable treat. Crisp and clean taste, and refreshing. Even just one-quarter of the Larabar will do the trick, especially if it’s been in the refrigerator and is still cold. Very close to the taste of lemon ice cream, and healthier for you.
stacey-healthylife
November 16, 2010 at 3:22 pmLemon adds some zest and brightens anything up, love it.
laine @ beets, butter and mountaintops
November 16, 2010 at 3:24 pmI have listened to Killing The Blues about 950 times in the last week.
That is all.
Laughter-Loving Stacy
November 16, 2010 at 3:27 pmI think lemon is amazing. I always put a slice in my water bottle to spruce up my water… so good. 🙂
Krystina (Basil & Wine)
November 16, 2010 at 3:36 pmI’m a huge lemon fan. I think citrus is one of the best things to add to almost anything.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
November 16, 2010 at 3:37 pmI love lemon. Especially in vodka. But I really love lime!
Dorry
November 16, 2010 at 4:11 pmI love lemons! When I was younger, I was not a fan of chocolate (I know, ridiculous) and I’d always go for the lemon bar over a brownie. Not I get both. 🙂 I also loved the Lemon Chills at Six Flags as a kid.
Aliona
November 16, 2010 at 4:12 pmlemons are a beautiful thing. your post is gorgeous jenna!!
i love those lemon drop candies… mmm. so good
Karen
November 16, 2010 at 4:19 pmLove, love, love Raising Sand…one of my top-favorite albums of all time! Such a seemingly odd collaboration produced pure magic. I never tire of listening to killing the blues. Enjoy!
Susan
November 16, 2010 at 4:36 pmI’m a big fan of lemon, myself. I recently had pizza with citrus zest from The Cheeseboard in Berkeley. I recommend you try it the next time you’re down there. The pizzas change daily and they only serve one flavor per day. I bet some lemon zest would be good on your zucchini pizza.
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat)
November 16, 2010 at 4:47 pmMy aunt has a lemon tree in front of her house in Texas and sends us a huge box every Christmas. These lemons are literally four times what you see in the grocery store — they look like grapefruits! — and sweet as candy.
Elizabeth
November 16, 2010 at 4:58 pmIf you like Robert Plant, you should download the song “Angel Dance” off his new album its great!!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
November 16, 2010 at 5:02 pmThe lemon bars look great…my fave citrus flavored treat would be a lemon drop martini 🙂
Or this new Extra chewing gum called Key Lime Pie. I like key lime pie well enough, but this gum..is off the charts good!
And sweatshirts from 96? I have hoodies from h.s. that I STILL Wear! And that was ummm, like almost 20 yrs ago…wow. Im getting old! 🙂
kris&kel
November 16, 2010 at 5:09 pmYou’ve just inspired me to cook with lemon!! 🙂
<3 kris&kel
http://www.krisandkel.com
Amy
November 16, 2010 at 5:15 pmI was one of those weird kids who would just munch on plain lemons! Still love them!
Lacey @ Lake Life
November 16, 2010 at 5:22 pmI’m not a fan of lemon desserts but I love lemon juice on fish, parmesan roasted asparagus and anything containing artichoke!
Cara Craves...
November 16, 2010 at 6:03 pmLove Lemon Squares dusted with icing sugar!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
November 16, 2010 at 6:53 pmI am obsessed with all things lemon! I like lemon juice in all beer, on everything from breaded chicken to water, and everything in between 🙂
jenny
November 16, 2010 at 7:03 pmI love the zest of lemon and hints of lemon! OH! And lemon water of course, but I don’t like it strong, a little to tart for my likings:)
Kim Trick
November 16, 2010 at 7:54 pmI love lemons. I drink lemon water all the time or homemade lemonade. But I’ve always been intimidated by lemon zest. Maybe I should give it a go with all my leftover lemon peels.
Rebeca
November 16, 2010 at 8:54 pmI was actually listenin’ to that album when I pulled up this post.
Win.
Hannah L. (Hannah Lives)
November 16, 2010 at 9:28 pmLemon is my favorite ingredient! I love the subtle flavor of lemon slices in water and iced tea, but I also love that in your face lemon flavor in lemon ricotta pancakes, lemon bars, lemon pasta, and lemon cake! Now Im hungry.
Lorin
November 16, 2010 at 10:36 pmI rather have chocolate. But those do look real tasty 🙂
maya @ finding balance in tokyo
November 16, 2010 at 10:54 pmI LOVE lemons and have for my whole life. I used to suck on plain lemon slices as a kid, and always eat the leftover fresh when a wedge comes as garnish with a drink or dish.
Lemon tarts, bars, etc. are my default choice when they are on the menu. But I’m not a huge fan of a lot of lemon sorbets, they don’t quite taste lemony enough for me usually.
Funny story: When I first started cooking and preparing food as a teen the most recent complaint from my family was that I overdid it on the lemon! They wouldn’t come near my guacamole and had a hard time with my pasta sauce as well. =/
Ravenous Rowie
November 17, 2010 at 1:03 amYUM! I love lemon too! My favorite is either a lemon souffle, or lemon sorbet.
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
November 17, 2010 at 2:58 amI *love* lemon. I can’t imagine life without it, to be honest, as I put it in everything (well, not everything, but you know what I mean.) It’s so bright and zingy! 😀
Your lemon squares look so perfect!! 😀
Marie-Journey to Body Zen
November 17, 2010 at 4:14 amI love lemon meringue pie. The flavors of the tart lemon, sweet meringue and soft crust are an excellent combo!
eliza
November 17, 2010 at 5:44 amHey Jenna, wanted to tell you we just got in the Murphy-Goode Zin… at my restaurant in Maine!
🙂 Thought you should know
dynamics
November 17, 2010 at 6:37 amI love lemon. Lemon anything. As a child I would go to ride my horse and would get very thirsty. I refused to get off the horse and go get a drink of water. The horse and I would rather ride up to the lemon tree and pick a lemon or two and pop them open and drink the sweet lemon juice. Lemons are a great thirst quencher.
Suzanne @ Continuing My Education
November 17, 2010 at 7:15 amI LOVE making these citrus biscotti! I make them every Christmas for my friends and family, they are slightly sweet, with a hint of citrus (gotta love the mircoplane!)
Lauren @ louisianagrown
November 17, 2010 at 7:25 amLemon desserts are my favorite! I especially love Lemon Madeleines and I like the little lemon bundt cakes that Starbucks has. They pair great was a latte.
Robyn
November 17, 2010 at 9:57 amMy kitchen is NEVER without lemons — I use them in so much! I’m not much of a baker, but fresh squeezed lemon juice and a tiny bit of olive oil along with some cracked pepper and sea salt makes a divinely simple way to dress a salad. So fresh, so clean. 🙂 Delish.
Monica
November 17, 2010 at 1:15 pmThe Krauss/Plant album and microplane zesters are two of the best things on earth. Lemons are good, too. Especially when used in Bircher Muesli, and vodka tonics.
Heidi - Apples Under My Bed
November 17, 2010 at 6:51 pm*gasp* Jenna! Thank you for the link back to this recipe! I missed that post and your lemon bars look so perfectly delicious it is almost too much to handle 🙂 I adore lemons. Loved this post, including the beautiful pics. Can’t wait to have a meyer lemon tree of my own once we buy a place with a backyard. At the moment I rely on stealing my parent’s lemons by the bag full 🙂
Heidi xo