Lots of Lemons

I've got a bag full of lemons from a friend's tree in California. What should I make? Tell me your favorite recipes requiring loads of lemons. Thanks!

Christine
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16 Comments

Smaug March 9, 2018
There are a lot of recipes, of course- my two biggies are lemon meringue pie (1c juice) and lemonade (1 1/2c. juice/ 2 qts), lemon bars, cakes cookies etc. The problem you run into is, whatever form it's in, there's only so much lemon that a limited group can be expected to eat in a short time. Therefore, preservation seems like a good idea- I freeze the juice in 1/2c increments in small plastic containers. If you want a bit of a project, you can zest the lemons first (I'd recommend an old fashioned zester)- it keeps pretty well dried or can be frozen, and is very useful.
 
Miss_Karen March 8, 2018
Lemon Budino!
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/meyer-lemon-budino-235859
 
arcane54 March 24, 2015
Lazy Mary's lemon tart (on this site) is a miracle (be sure to look at both recipes -- one has the directions, the other has a lovely crust). So easy you'll make it often until your lemons are gone.
 
Healthline March 24, 2015
Here are some great options for using lemons in every meal--
For the morning, Lemon Breakfast Bread: http://www.healthline.com/health-recipes/lemon-breakfast-bread

For a lunch or quick snack, Lemon Garlic Hummus:
http://www.healthline.com/health-recipes/lemon-and-garlic-hummus

For a tasty (and healthy) dinner, Seared Salmon with Zucchini Lemon Thyme Noodles: http://www.healthline.com/health-recipes/seared-salmon-zucchini-lemon-thyme-noodles

And, of course, for dessert, Lemon Cardamom Cookies:
http://www.healthline.com/health-recipes/lemon-cardamom-cookies

Enjoy!
 
sexyLAMBCHOPx March 24, 2015
April Bloomfield's Lemon Caper Salad Dressing is outstanding. Only uses two lemons but worth trying it out to welcome Spring. https://food52.com/recipes/16940-april-bloomfield-s-lemon-caper-dressing
 
Christine March 24, 2015
These are all such great suggestions! I'll let you know what I make : )
 
creamtea March 24, 2015
I forgot to add, Moroccan chicken with lemon and olives...
 
creamtea March 24, 2015
Preserved lemons, lemon meringue pie, lemon bars, lemon salad dressing (good olive oil, lemon juice, salt; can add grainy mustard or not, as you wish). Nothin' better than fresh unwaxed lemons off the tree-I envy you!
 
amysarah March 24, 2015
Yes, freezing the juice in ice cube trays is always good. And before juicing you can peel or grate the skin to freeze separately (no waste, 'snout to tail' for lemons.)
 
luvcookbooks March 24, 2015
Lemon marmalade. I wonder if the quick candied kumquat recipe might work for lemons? Also lemons stuck w cloves and dried smell nice.
 
Nancy March 24, 2015
Good ideas. Related - spicy lemon chutney by Laurie Colwin.
 
Kristen W. March 24, 2015
Oops, just read Nancy's answer and saw that she already mentioned the ice-cube tray thing!
 
Nancy March 24, 2015
Kristen W. Not a problem. Still a good idea. P.s. I''ve done it too...written an answer, only to find it already posted.
 
Kristen W. March 24, 2015
Not a recipe, but I had a similar situation and I wound up juicing most of them and freezing the juice in ice cube trays for a portioned-out, ready made supply when I needed it.
 
LeBec F. March 24, 2015
christine, i put 'lemons' in the search box at the top right of this page, and MANY pages came up. you might want to scan the posts. This one seems of use for you:
https://food52.com/hotline/6253-ways-to-use-up-lemon-juice
 
Nancy March 24, 2015
For stews, make preserved lemons. For drinking and great hostess gifts, make lemon vodka. For baking, candied lemon peel. For lemonade, salad dressings and general use, make lemon juice, freeze in ice cube trays for easy access (keeps 2-3 months).
 
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