From Daryl aka Avery:
It's a celebratory day, so guess what? I'm doing a book giveaway. Check out the details at the end of the blog.
What's in your garden? Or your grocery store? My Meyer's lemon tree is abloom and I'm so excited. I love lemony things. They make me think fresh, new. Perfect for a new year. And a lemony dessert is so light after a deliciously rich meal.
The last time I ever made a "tart" was when I lived in Germany for a few months during college. I remember them being "hard" to make. I was a pretty good cook back then, but my Mutti (German nickname for mother) was so deft, I couldn't keep up with the steps. I didn't think much about tarts after that. I was a good pie maker. Who needed tarts? But they are so pretty! And do you know? Easy! Easier than pie! Kid you not. Why? Because a tart shell is actually pressed into the tart pan. No rolling pin. No shell breaking every which way. This is good news for a gluten-free person, too, because sometimes gluten-free pastry can really break fast!
So to all of you who want an easy recipe for New Year's (or beyond), here's my take on a lemon curd tart. I had a bit of the curd left over. It tasted great just as a pudding dessert!
Enjoy! May your new year be filled with new experiences, new hopes, new dreams. May you think big, give wholeheartedly, and laugh a ton!
MEYER LEMON CURD TART
(Regular and gluten-free
version)
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 stick
cold butter, cut into pea size pieces
1/4 cup
sugar
1 1/4
cup regular or gluten-free flour, plus extra for rolling dough (depending on
your needs!)
1 egg
yolk
Pinch of
salt
2 to 4
tablespoons cold water ( I used 4)
For the curd:
3/4 cup
Meyer lemon juice
3 Meyer
lemons, zested
1 1/3
cups sugar
5 eggs
Pinch of
salt
1 1/2
sticks butter, cut into pats
If desired, for the garnish:
1 pint
blueberries
2
tablespoons sugar
2
tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
Special equipment needed:
1 pound
dried beans or rice
Parchment
paper
10-inch
tart pan
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Directions:
Preheat
the oven to 425 degrees F.
For the dough:
Put the
butter, sugar, flour, egg yolk and salt in a food processor and pulse for 30
to 60 seconds or until the mixture has a grainy consistency. Add half of the
water and pulse the food processor 2 to 3 times. The dough should start to
come together. If desired, add the remaining water. (I did!) Check the
consistency by clenching a small handful in your fist. If the dough stays
together it is the proper consistency. If not, pulse the dough with a little
more water. When the dough has reached the right consistency, set it on
parchment paper that has been dusted with flour (or gluten-free flour,
depending on your needs!) Dust with more flour (GF flour). Top with another
piece of parchment paper. Flatten slightly using the heel of your hand. Put
the entire thing into a plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
When ready:
Set the dough, including parchment paper, on a clean work surface.
Roll the dough out to 1/8 to 1/4-inch in thickness between the paper.
Peel off the parchment paper and roll the dough gently into a tube. Then lay the dough in the tart pan, unrolling as you go. Push the dough into the sides of the tart pan. Roll dough over the top edge of the tart pan, then cut the extra dough from the pan. (You need this extra bit because the dough will shrink when it bakes.) Cover the dough with parchment paper and gently poke holes in the paper. Fill the tart shell with the dried beans or rice and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, remove the parchment and beans/rice and bake for 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove the tart shell from the oven and cool. The dough should be golden and crisp.
For the curd:
Preheat
the oven to 300 degrees F.
In a
bowl, combine the lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs and salt. Whisk until
combined. Place the mixture in a saucepan and bring to a medium heat. Cook,
whisking constantly, until the mixture has thickened. This takes about 12 to
15 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in
the butter, 2 pats at a time until it's incorporated and the mixture is a
silky consistency.
Pour
the lemon curd into the prepared tart shell and bake in the preheated oven
until the lemon curd has set, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely before
cutting.
Book giveaway: To celebrate the launch of AS GOUDA AS DEAD, which comes out in a month...yes, a month...I'm offering a giveaway every Wednesday from now until the launch date.
Today: just tell me whether you've read any of the books by authors on our blog. To do so, hit "comments" to leave a comment, and leave your email (however cryptically) so I can contact you if you win! Good luck.
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Savor the mystery!
******************
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I read books by all of the authors here on Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, most recently The Diva Wraps it Up.
ReplyDeletedmskrug3 at hotmail dot com
Daniele, nice to know. Wasn't that a fun book?
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
Found CLEO Coyle when my husband passed away and her books filled many empty hours. Started reading all the authors here when I followed this web page.
ReplyDeleteOneponychick66@hotmail.com
One ~ thrilled you found solace and pleasure with Cleo's books. Great find!
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
Oh yes, all the Book Collector Mysteries, all of the Key West Food Critic Mysteries, some of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, the Cookbook Nook . . . .
ReplyDeleteThat tart looks great. Anything lemon, yum, especially Meyer lemons. (And the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake I had tonight wasn't too bad either!)
sallycootie@gmail.com
Grandma, love hearing how much you read! And mmm. Lemon meringue cheesecake? Sounds delish!
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I haven't read any of the books yet (I'm a relatively new reader of this blog), but I definitely plan to do so! Love the book information, recipes, posts, etc.
ReplyDeleteEMS591@aol.com
Liz, you have some catching up to do! LOL Enjoy all the new stories!
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I've read all of you! In fact, I just finished Stirring the Plot.
ReplyDeleteJHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Holdenj, thrilled to hear this! Hope you enjoyed Stirring the Plot. One of my favorites to write! :)
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
J:you won by random selection!! I'll be contacting you. Congrats!
DeleteI've read the first 3 Avery Ames books, most of the Cleo Coyle books and quite a few of the others that are part of this blog.
ReplyDeletemelfntrl12@yahoo.com
Mel ~ thanks for sharing. I hope you get a chance to read us all. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I've read at least one book by each of the authors, some more than others. Love this blog and all of your books. And the staff at my school does too (not that they know it) because often if I try one of your recipes I take it to school to share. bevarcher AT me DOT com
ReplyDeleteBev ~ how fun that you take our recipes to school. Share our books, too. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I've read at least one book of all the authors here and truthfully most of the books.
ReplyDeletepoohwine1217 at gmail dot com
Lisa, that's great to know. We all know how hard it is to read "everything" but to taste and sample, that's important. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I have read books by all of these authors.
ReplyDeletexzjh04@ Gmail.com
Kiki, love it!
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I have your first 3 cheese shop mysteries, one book and one audio book by Cleo Coyle, and one each by Krista, Sheila and Peg. I have enjoyed all of them.
ReplyDeletesuefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sue, nice to hear. Audio books are a whole different animal, aren't they? I've listened to a few while doing long distance driving. My stepson listens on his way to and from work.
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
I have read books by all you fine women.
ReplyDeleteA happy, healthy, and safe new year to you all!
libbydodd at comcast dot net
Libby, thanks. You are a "fine" woman, too. :) Happy new year, as well.
DeleteDaryl / Avery
I've read all of the cheese shop mysteries and really enjoy them! plus I've read several of the other authors here. :)
ReplyDeleteAnne, great to hear. We all have so many different protagonists and stories to share. Enjoy.
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
Yes, I have read books by all of you. But I need to read more! The tart looks so good! I will have to try it...
ReplyDeleteElaineE246(at)msn(dot)com
Elaine, I love readers like you, hungry for more. Hope you enjoy the tart.
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
Picked up a couple more this afternoon. :-D
DeleteI have read books by all of the authors. sclickner at juno dot com
ReplyDeleteClickner, superb!
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I just finished Stirring the Plot last weekend! I've read all of Krista, Cleo, and Daryl/Avery. I'm working my way through Sheila's orchard and museum series but have read all of the County Cork series. alyssa_mcneil@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAlyssa, great to hear. Hope you enjoyed Stirring the Plot. I had so much fun writing that one!
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
Yes, I have read at least one by each author! Love cozy mysteries! Tart looks great!!! martha jane 1 at hot mail dot com
ReplyDeleteMartha, we love cozies, too. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read all of Cleo's books (that's how I found this site!), and I'm just getting started on yours. So many good books from authors here that I want to read!
ReplyDeleteLisa, great to know how you got to the site. (Thanks, Cleo!) Enjoy all the reading.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read books by all but two of you lovely authors and loved each one that I have read. As for the two not yet read, I got some of Krista's books for me birthday last month and they are waiting in my TBR pile. Still trying to get my hands on Lucy's books though. Maybe that's where the gift card from Christmas will go to?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading As Gouda as Dead as well as what's to come from everyone. Happy New Year!
robbfan141729@yahoo.com
Meg, nice. Gift cards are great gifts, aren't they? You get to pick. It's like a double Christmas. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
First, thanks for the tart recipe. It is a close tie between lemon and chocolate for desserts for me.
ReplyDeleteYes I have read books by the authors. I love the mix of food and mystery.
Thanks for the giveaways.
MarshaMysteryreader@yahoo.com
Marsha, I love the mix of food and mystery, too. I like savoring the idea of the foods all the authors present. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I have not read any yet, but hope to soon. pp92596 at outlook dot com
ReplyDeleteRobin, we hope you will, too.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
Love anything with lemon in it.
ReplyDeletetxmlhl@yahoo.com
I think Victoria Abbott is the only writer that I've not tried.
DeleteI will check into them now.
thanks.
Mary, don't miss Victoria's books. Love them! Such a sassy protagonist and all the book references are fabulous!
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
Not yet, they are on my to read list! Katdunn@cox.net
ReplyDeleteHope you get through your list soon.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I have read Krista Davis' books (Diva series and Paws & Claws series... just not all of them.... I think I am missing 2), and I have read your Cheese Shop Mystery series. I have several books by the Mystery Lovers' Kitchen authors on my want to read list.
ReplyDeletemyrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the giveaway! :)
Jen, always good to have a TBR list. Hope you read them all soon. :)
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I read both of your series' and both of Cleo's as well. I have books on my Nook by Krista and Lucy that are waiting to be read. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletekjohnson952@yahoo.com
Aha, a Nook reader. Good way to store up a tasty pile. Enjoy.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read books from all The Mystery Lover's Kitchen authors
ReplyDeleteRebecca, sweet to hear! Thanks.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I have read books written by all the authors. I ღ cozies!
ReplyDeleteAnon ~ we love that you love cozies. :) How did you make that symbol? Cute.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read all the authors on the page. I really enjoy cozy mysteries so when I am turned on to an author who writes them I try and read all the books they have written.
ReplyDeleteTaryn, how nice to hear! Enjoy.
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read books by most of you. Love cozy mysteries.
ReplyDeletelittleone AT shaw DOT ca
PoCoKat, I love hearing this. Thanks!
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read books by everyone but Krista. Haven't gotten to hers yet.
ReplyDeleteSandy, you must! They're so much fun. I've loved all of the Diva books. The new series, Paws & Claws, is terrific! Lots of animals and food and mystery. Fun!
DeleteHappy new year!
~Daryl / Avery
I've read at least one book from everyone, I just finished re-reading the orchard series from Sheila Connolly.
ReplyDeleteKaren, nice!
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl/Avery
I have read some if not all the books by all of you. suefoster109@netzero.net
ReplyDeleteSue, wow, great to hear. And even more coming! :)
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I love lemon tart! Delicious, Daryl!
ReplyDeleteMJ (who has read all the authors on MLK too. Coincidence?)
Thanks, MJ. I know, I've read them, too. I don't think it's a coincidence. LOL
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
First, thanks for the recipe it sounds yummy. I have read books by all of the authors except for Victoria Abbott (sorry) although they are on my list to read, they sound great, I will get there.
ReplyDeletemomzillasteel at gmail dot com
Debbie, make sure you do read Victoria's books. So much fun! Love the series. Thanks for chiming in.
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
Hi, Love the recipes! I have read all of Sheila's and Victoria Abbott's. I have on my shelf to read 3 of yours the Final Sentence, Stirring the Plot and the Brie one. My TBR shelf is immense, so I will get to them. I know they are good so I keep buying them. Hope you have a great New Year!
ReplyDeleteJeri, you sound as behind as I am with the TBR shelf! Enjoy all the fun stories ahead.
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I'm fairly new at reading cozy mysteries and i've found quite a few new authors through you.
ReplyDeleteCindi, I'm so glad you have been able to find such fun stories. Enjoy!
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I've been reading cozies for years. I'm always ready to win another one. Yes, I've read some of the books by the authors here on this blog, including Peg Cochran/Meg London (I've read one book that was written under each name). I have other books that I haven't read yet by all the other authors except for Lucy and Victoria, although I believe the mother is Mary Jane Maffini and I have four of her organizer mysteries.
ReplyDeletecatbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com
Michelle, you figured it out. Yes, MJ is half of Victoria. Her organizer series are fun! Make sure you get one of Lucy's. She has some of the tastiest recipes and reading about Key West is downright fun!
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I've read or have in my " home library" books from all the authors! Big cozy mystery fan! I've read Cleo Coyne & Alice Kimberly series all but the last book or two in each series. I've started the Domestic Diva series (but have most of the series waiting for me to read). I have 4 "Cheese" books to read. I've read several books in different series written by Sheila and have more to read. Now that I'm retired, I try to read about 200 books a year. I made it this year!
ReplyDeleteWow, Loretta, 200 books a year. Like a librarian! You go, girl! :)
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
Happy New Year to All! That lemon tart looks sooo yummo! Thanks for the recipe. I, too have read some of the books that these gals have written. Now, don't get me wrong, as I think you all are very talented authors, but, I've got to say...KRISTA DAVIS ROCKS! (sorry, didn't mean to yell)
ReplyDeleteKeep ~ you're right. She does rock! Yelling is allowed. So glad you've read books by all of us.
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
Not sure if my comment got posted. I've read and enjoyed all of y'all's books!
ReplyDeleteBarb, nice to hear! thanks for reposting...since I didn't see the first. :)
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I've read books by all of you. Not every book, but I'm certainly trying to.
ReplyDeletekaye.killgore@comcast.net
Kaye, give it a go! I know I'm trying to read all of them, too. That TBR pile... Hard to keep up when life comes at you fast. :)
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I would love to win a copy of your book! I am looking forward to As Gouda as Dead coming out! I have read books by all the authors on this blog. I love cozy mysteries and pre-order all the latest releases (love the first Tuesday of every month). Thank you for a chance to win and Happy New Year! Doodlesink@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteKristina, we love the first Tuesday of every month, too. Thanks for being a fan!
DeleteHappy new year.
Daryl / Avery
I've read one or more of the series written by all of the authors...keeps my TBR pile growing. Thanks! Kuzlin at aol.com
ReplyDeleteKuzlin, so glad to hear it! You and so many others who have commented today have a TBR pile. I love those and yet I feel so frustrated that I can't read FASTER! :)
DeleteENJOY
Happy new year.
Daryl / Avery
Recently retired and being an avid reader. Just found not long ago your web site. So far have read Avery Ames and Cleo Could. And am looking forward to reading Krista Davis and any others you may have. They are so good and very entertaining for a bored senior. Love them.
ReplyDeleteSharon, indeed, the best way not to be bored is read! May you enjoy all of our books.
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
Sorry that is Cleo Coyle. Hit some wrong keys and did not double check.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI've read one of your cheese shop mysteries, Lucy's first Key West food critic mystery, and both of Sheila's Irish mysteries. Enjoyed them all!
ReplyDeletepatdupuy@yahoo.com
Pat, glad to hear you've enjoyed them. Hope you'll try out all of us. We write about so many different careers, areas, foods!
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl / Avery
Yum! the lemon curd tart sounds lovely!!! i haven't red Lucy, Sheila or Peg, but i intend to! woofmew@aol.com
ReplyDeleteMalka, I make typos too. :).
DeleteHappy new year!
Daryl/Avery
oops... READ!
ReplyDeleteI've read books by all of the authors here. Most recently ..Final Sentence. I plan on reading 3 books from MLK authors for the Goodreads Winter reading challenge.
ReplyDeletedotkel50 at Comcast dot net
oops... that's Comcast (small c)
DeleteDotty, what a fun challenge. Good for you.
DeleteDaryl/Avery
Not yet but they are on my TBR list!!! And one of my New Year's resolutions!
ReplyDeletewoodrumbetty@gmail.com
I've read books by all of the authors here!!!!
ReplyDeletetho I'm behind on most of the series, at least I've started ALL of them!!!!
cyn209 at juno dot com
I've Cleo Coyle's books and yours!! jlewis at presbyws dot org
ReplyDeleteslpetera@yahoo.com Can't wait to read your newest.
ReplyDelete