Randy Chandler
Lemon cheese is a traditional British spread made with lemon, butter, eggs, and sugar. It is often used as a topping for toast, crackers, and baked goods, or as a filling for cakes and pastries. Lemon cheese is also sometimes referred to as lemon curd, though some people argue that they are distinct products with different consistencies and flavours. It is a versatile dish that can be spiced and flavoured in numerous ways and is relatively simple to make at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Moist and spreadable |
| Taste | Mild, buttery, with a hint of lemon |
| Colour | Opaque yellow |
| Uses | Spread on toast, crackers, hot biscuits, muffins, bagels, croissants, sandwiches, scones, cooked tart shells, etc. |
| Recipe | Made with milk, lemon juice, sugar, eggs, butter, lemon zest, salt, olive oil, etc. |
| Variations | Can be spiced with grated lemon rind, black pepper, dried dill, oregano, basil, rosemary, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, arugula, parsley, etc. |
| Serving Suggestions | Can be served as a topping for salads, pizzas, or pasta. |
| Storage | Can be put into sterilized jars and frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Lemon cheese as a spread
Lemon cheese is a versatile spread that can be used in a variety of ways to elevate the flavour of simple dishes. It is a traditional British delicacy, often used as a filling for cakes, pastries, pies, and tarts. It also serves as a delightful spread on toast, crackers, biscuits, muffins, bagels, croissants, and scones. For those who enjoy savoury dishes, lemon cheese can be used as a topping for salads, pizzas, or pasta, adding a tangy twist to these classics.
Lemon cheese is typically made with beaten egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, with some recipes incorporating egg whites and butter. The process of making lemon cheese is quite straightforward, involving the heating of milk and the addition of lemon juice, resulting in the separation of the milk into curds and whey. The curds are then drained and hung to achieve the desired consistency, ranging from a soft and spreadable texture to a firmer, sliceable form.
The versatility of lemon cheese extends beyond its culinary applications. It can be customised with various spices and herbs, such as grated lemon rind, black pepper, dried dill, oregano, basil, rosemary, or sun-dried tomatoes. These additions not only enhance the flavour but also make it a visually appealing condiment. The cheese can be spiced in multiple ways, allowing cooks to experiment and create their unique versions.
Lemon cheese is a delightful treat that can be easily prepared at home, offering a tangy and refreshing twist to breakfast dishes, baked goods, and savoury meals alike. It is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of cooks, as slight variations in ingredients and preparation methods can lead to distinct flavours and textures. Whether enjoyed as a sweet or savoury spread, lemon cheese is a delightful addition to any meal.
Lemon cheese is an excellent choice for those seeking a tangy, mild-flavoured spread with a subtle hint of lemon. It is a versatile ingredient that can be customised to suit different preferences and used in a variety of dishes. Whether you prefer it in its traditional form or with modern twists, lemon cheese is a delightful treat that can be savoured and shared with loved ones.
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Lemon cheese vs lemon curd
Lemon cheese and lemon curd are both used as spreads for toast, biscuits, muffins, bagels, crackers, croissants, and scones. They can also be used as fillings for cakes, pastries, pies, and tarts.
Lemon cheese is a simple, fresh, and moist spreadable cheese with a hint of lemon taste. It is made by warming milk to 165°F, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Lemon juice is then added, and the mixture is set aside for 15 minutes. The warm milk will separate into stringy curds and a greenish liquid whey. The curds and whey are then poured into a colander lined with butter muslin, and the corners of the cheesecloth are tied into a knot. The bag of curds is hung to drain, and after an hour, it is checked for the desired consistency.
Lemon curd, on the other hand, is a traditionally British delicacy. It is made with beaten egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, with some recipes also adding egg whites and butter. It is created by melting butter with sugar over very low heat in a double boiler and then slowly pouring in the beaten eggs and lemon juice. The mixture is stirred constantly until it thickens and is then removed from the heat to cool completely.
While there are no legal compositional differences between lemon cheese and lemon curd, some people argue that lemon curd is runnier and tarter, while lemon cheese has a more buttery taste and consistency. These differences may be due to regional variations, with different areas of the country tweaking the recipe to add a local touch.
In conclusion, lemon cheese and lemon curd are very similar, and the distinction between the two is subtle, with some people using the terms interchangeably. However, slight variations in ingredients and preparation methods may result in differences in texture and taste.
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Lemon cheese in baking
Lemon cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baking applications. Traditionally, it is used as a filling or topping for cakes, pastries, and pies. Its spreadable consistency makes it ideal for filling baked goods, such as tarts or pie shells.
Lemon cheese can also be used as a flavourful topping for scones or sandwiches, adding a tangy twist to afternoon tea. Its versatility extends to being a delicious spread on toast, crackers, muffins, bagels, or croissants, offering a hint of lemon taste.
Lemon cheese is often made with beaten egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest, resulting in a mild and opaque yellow colour. Some recipes may also include egg whites and butter, contributing to a richer and more buttery taste and consistency. The addition of butter creates a subtle difference between lemon cheese and lemon curd, with the former being slightly less tart and runny.
When it comes to baking, lemon cheese can be utilised in a variety of ways. It can be used as a filling for lemon tarts or lemon pies, providing a refreshing and tangy flavour. Lemon cheese can also be baked into cookies or cupcakes, adding a unique twist to traditional recipes. Its spreadable texture makes it ideal for layering or filling cakes, creating a delicious and unexpected surprise for those who enjoy a hint of citrus.
Additionally, lemon cheese can be utilised as a topping or glaze for baked goods. It can be spread on top of scones or tea cakes, adding a bright and tangy finish. For a more indulgent treat, lemon cheese can be paired with sweet toppings such as meringue or whipped cream, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures. Whether used as a filling, topping, or spread, lemon cheese adds a delightful citrus note to any baked creation.
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Lemon cheese in cooking
Lemon cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. It is a simple, fresh cheese with a hint of lemon taste and a moist, spreadable texture. While it can be purchased ready-made, lemon cheese is also easy to make at home.
Lemon cheese is often used as a spread on baked goods such as toast, crackers, muffins, bagels, and croissants. It can also be added to cooked tart shells or used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and pies. For a more savoury option, lemon cheese can be spread on sandwiches or scones, providing a tangy alternative to traditional condiments.
Lemon cheese can also be used in cooking to add flavour and creaminess to dishes. It can be melted and combined with other ingredients to create a sauce or topping for pizzas, pasta, or salads. The addition of lemon cheese can brighten up the flavour profile of a dish and enhance the taste experience.
When making lemon cheese at home, milk is heated to a specific temperature and then combined with lemon juice. This mixture separates into curds and whey, with the curds being collected and hung to drain. The draining time can be adjusted to achieve the desired consistency, ranging from spreadable to sliceable.
Additionally, lemon cheese can be customised with various additives to create different flavours. Some popular options include grated lemon rind, black pepper, dried dill, oregano, basil, rosemary, and sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients can be mixed into the cheese, and the mixture can be allowed to marinate, enhancing the flavour and creating a unique, personalised cheese.
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Making lemon cheese at home
Lemon cheese is a luscious, tangy, and buttery delicacy with a hint of lemon taste. It is traditionally used as a spread on toast, crackers, or cooked tart shells. It can also be used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and pies. Lemon cheese can be put into sterilized jars and frozen to be enjoyed later.
Lemon cheese is a simple fresh cheese that can be easily made at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making lemon cheese in your kitchen:
Ingredients:
- Milk (cow's milk or goat's milk)
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Lemon zest
- Optional: Herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary, black pepper, and dried dill. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, arugula, or parsley.
Instructions:
- Heat one gallon of milk slowly to 190°F (88°C) in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Use a dairy thermometer for accuracy.
- Stir the milk gently until it starts to swirl on its own in the pot.
- Drizzle 4 tablespoons of lemon juice into the pot while the milk is swirling. Take your time with this step, as too much acid or motion can weaken the curd.
- Stir the mixture and set it aside for about 15 minutes. The warm milk will separate into stringy curds and a greenish liquid whey.
- Line a colander with butter muslin or cheesecloth.
- Pour the curds and whey into the colander. Tie the corners of the cloth into a knot and hang the bag of curds to drain.
- After an hour, check the consistency. If you prefer a drier cheese, let it drain for a bit longer.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the cheese with herbs, spices, or other ingredients of your choice. Allow the flavors to blend in the fridge for a few hours.
- Your homemade lemon cheese is now ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast, crackers, or use it as a filling for your favorite baked goods.
Lemon cheese is a versatile and delicious treat that can be customized to your taste. Experiment with different ingredients and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
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Frequently asked questions
Lemon cheese is a very simple, fresh, and moist cheese with a hint of lemon taste. It is traditionally made with milk, lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter.
To make lemon cheese, heat milk to 165-190°F, stirring often to prevent scorching. Then, add lemon juice and stir. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, and it will separate into curds and whey. Line a colander with a cheesecloth, pour the curds and whey into it, and hang the bag of curds to drain. You can adjust the hanging time depending on whether you want a softer or firmer cheese. Finally, add olive oil and salt to taste.
Lemon cheese and lemon curd are very similar, and according to the Trading Standards Office, there are no legal compositional differences between the two. However, some people argue that lemon curd is runnier and tarter, while lemon cheese has a more buttery taste and consistency. The difference in names may come from the fact that lemons cause the eggs to curdle, similar to how cheese is made from milk curds.
Lemon cheese can be spread on toast, crackers, muffins, bagels, or croissants. It can also be used as a topping for salads, pizza, or pasta. Additionally, it can be served in sandwiches or scones for afternoon tea.
