Limoncello - part 3

Having left my limoncello in a cool, dark place for another 40 days and nights ... today I strained out the lemon zest, decanted into bottles and put into the freezer until we decided to have a tipple!  I did try a small glass ... it is very strong! But lovely and zesty - and, best of all, homemade!

I am planning on making limoncello martinis over Christmas ... a measure of limoncello, topped up with champagne ... mmm mmm, sounds delicious! 

Limoncello - Part 2

As 40 days have passed (well, just over 40!), it's time for part two of the recipe!  I have boiled up 625ml water and 500g caster sugar and am leaving it to cool to room temperature.  Once the sugar syrup has cooled I will add it to the jar of vodka and lemon zest and put back in a cool, dark place for another 40 days ... 

Limoncello - part 1

In preparation for the festive season and pressies for family and friends, the Plum Brewery started off their first batch of Limoncello!

I got the recipe from "A Year of Family Recipes" by Lesley Wild and published by the Betty's Cookery School.  As with my Sloe Gin - this takes time and attention.  I have just completed part one of the recipe, and am writing this while I wait for the kettle to boil.  I am just about to take afternoon tea out into the garden for Mr Plum who has just fixed my shed!

Ingredients (makes 1.5 litres)

8 organic unwaxed lemons (or whatever you can get at the market ... I only got 7, so will be adding an extra one later on!)

750ml 80% proof vodka (the vodka I have is only 37.5% - so not sure whether it will work!)

625ml water

500g caster sugar

Method for part 1:

1.  Carefully pare the peel from the lemons with a sharp knife, ensuring the white pith is left behind.

2.  Pour the vodka into a large glass jar, then add the peeled lemon zest.  Cover with the lid and leave in a cool dark place for 40 days.  Gradually the vodka will absorb the flavour and rich colour of the lemon zest.  At the end of this stage the zest will be pale and quite brittle - this is a sign that you can progress to the next stage.

Mr Plum the Home-Brewer

Mr Plum likes his homebrew.

The first batch of Yorkshire Bitter was lovely! It made a very nice shandy ... unfortunately we drank it far too quickly!! 

Mr Plum's second batch of home brew went slightly wrong and exploded over him last night.

While in York we visited the York Brewery ... Mr Plum got himself a "Yorkshire Terrier" home brew kit ... we also had a tasting tray of 4 Yorkshire Brewery ales ... they were very nice!  Mr Plum's best friend also gave him another Yorkshire Bitter homebrew kit - so that will keep him busy for a while!

While Mr Plum is making his home brew .. I'm looking forward to this years batch of Spicy Sloe Gin and Limoncello!   The Plum Brewery is going to be busy this autumn...