This phrase was intially conceived in 1915 and is now a common phrase to encourage optimism and a postive can-do attitude in the face of adversity. Lemons sourness suggest difficulty in life and lemonade is turning them into something positive. COVID-19 and lockdown are the perfect anecdote of life giving us lemons. It can also be taken literally because I have a tree brimming with lemons and I thought I could do with some optimism and positivity at the moment.

Lemondade aside, I found a delicious and easy Lemon Butter recipe. I have lovely childhood memories of homemade Lemon Butter so I thought I would give it a go for myself. Lemon Butter is a delicious topping on toast, scones and pancakes and divine as a filling for tarts and sponges. So here it is:

Lemon Butter ('cooler' to call it Lemon Curd these days)

Ingredients

4 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon rind

125g chopped butter

Method

1. Place eggs and sugar in a heatproof bowl (or top of a double saucepan). Place over a pan of simmering water

2. Whisk constantly until sugar has dissolved

3. Add lemon juice, rind and butter. Whisk mixture for about 20 minutes or until smooth and it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

4. Pour warm mixture into hot sterilised jars and seal immediatley

Tips:

- Dont let the mixture boil or it might curdle

- If you prefer a tarter Lemon Butter, use only 1/2 cup sugar

This recipe makes about 2 jars and will last several weeks in the fridge.

I have also heard that there is a microwave version where you add all the ingredients together, then microwave in 45 second bursts (whisking in-between) 4-6 times until it is thick and glossy (I havent tried this one)

Have we got any Lemon Butter experts out there?

So, my new motto: When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Butter