Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Meyer Lemon Curd Tart for New Year's Eve + book #giveaway




HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!!



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


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.








If desired, garnish with blueberries tossed with sugar and lemon juice.




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.


Savor the mystery!

******************

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Check out our website.


STIRRING THE PLOT is available for order: order here.


AS GOUDA AS DEAD, February 2015, available for
preorder here.


If you haven't done so, sign up for the mailing list 
so you can learn about upcoming events, releases, and contests! 

103 comments:

  1. I read books by all of the authors here on Mystery Lovers' Kitchen, most recently The Diva Wraps it Up.
    dmskrug3 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Daniele, nice to know. Wasn't that a fun book?

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  2. 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.
    Oneponychick66@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One ~ thrilled you found solace and pleasure with Cleo's books. Great find!

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  3. Oh yes, all the Book Collector Mysteries, all of the Key West Food Critic Mysteries, some of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, the Cookbook Nook . . . .

    That 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Grandma, love hearing how much you read! And mmm. Lemon meringue cheesecake? Sounds delish!

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  4. 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.

    EMS591@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liz, you have some catching up to do! LOL Enjoy all the new stories!

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  5. I've read all of you! In fact, I just finished Stirring the Plot.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Holdenj, thrilled to hear this! Hope you enjoyed Stirring the Plot. One of my favorites to write! :)

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
    2. J:you won by random selection!! I'll be contacting you. Congrats!

      Delete
  6. I'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.

    melfntrl12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mel ~ thanks for sharing. I hope you get a chance to read us all. :)

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  7. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bev ~ how fun that you take our recipes to school. Share our books, too. :)

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  8. I've read at least one book of all the authors here and truthfully most of the books.
    poohwine1217 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, that's great to know. We all know how hard it is to read "everything" but to taste and sample, that's important. :)

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  9. I have read books by all of these authors.

    xzjh04@ Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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.
    suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  11. I have read books by all you fine women.

    A happy, healthy, and safe new year to you all!

    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby, thanks. You are a "fine" woman, too. :) Happy new year, as well.


      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  12. I've read all of the cheese shop mysteries and really enjoy them! plus I've read several of the other authors here. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne, great to hear. We all have so many different protagonists and stories to share. Enjoy.
      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  13. 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...

    ElaineE246(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elaine, I love readers like you, hungry for more. Hope you enjoy the tart.

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
    2. Picked up a couple more this afternoon. :-D

      Delete
  14. I have read books by all of the authors. sclickner at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alyssa, great to hear. Hope you enjoyed Stirring the Plot. I had so much fun writing that one!

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  16. Yes, I have read at least one by each author! Love cozy mysteries! Tart looks great!!! martha jane 1 at hot mail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, great to know how you got to the site. (Thanks, Cleo!) Enjoy all the reading.

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  18. 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?

    Looking forward to reading As Gouda as Dead as well as what's to come from everyone. Happy New Year!

    robbfan141729@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Meg, nice. Gift cards are great gifts, aren't they? You get to pick. It's like a double Christmas. :)

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  19. First, thanks for the tart recipe. It is a close tie between lemon and chocolate for desserts for me.
    Yes I have read books by the authors. I love the mix of food and mystery.
    Thanks for the giveaways.
    MarshaMysteryreader@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marsha, I love the mix of food and mystery, too. I like savoring the idea of the foods all the authors present. :)

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  20. I have not read any yet, but hope to soon. pp92596 at outlook dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love anything with lemon in it.
    txmlhl@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Victoria Abbott is the only writer that I've not tried.
      I will check into them now.
      thanks.

      Delete
    2. Mary, don't miss Victoria's books. Love them! Such a sassy protagonist and all the book references are fabulous!

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  22. Not yet, they are on my to read list! Katdunn@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  23. 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.
    myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
    Thank you for the giveaway! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jen, always good to have a TBR list. Hope you read them all soon. :)

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  24. 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!
    kjohnson952@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aha, a Nook reader. Good way to store up a tasty pile. Enjoy.

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  25. I've read books from all The Mystery Lover's Kitchen authors

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have read books written by all the authors. I ღ cozies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon ~ we love that you love cozies. :) How did you make that symbol? Cute.

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  27. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I've read books by most of you. Love cozy mysteries.

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PoCoKat, I love hearing this. Thanks!

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  29. I've read books by everyone but Krista. Haven't gotten to hers yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandy, 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!

      Happy new year!
      ~Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  30. I've read at least one book from everyone, I just finished re-reading the orchard series from Sheila Connolly.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have read some if not all the books by all of you. suefoster109@netzero.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue, wow, great to hear. And even more coming! :)

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  32. I love lemon tart! Delicious, Daryl!


    MJ (who has read all the authors on MLK too. Coincidence?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, MJ. I know, I've read them, too. I don't think it's a coincidence. LOL

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  33. 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.
    momzillasteel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, make sure you do read Victoria's books. So much fun! Love the series. Thanks for chiming in.

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  34. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeri, you sound as behind as I am with the TBR shelf! Enjoy all the fun stories ahead.

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  35. I'm fairly new at reading cozy mysteries and i've found quite a few new authors through you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cindi, I'm so glad you have been able to find such fun stories. Enjoy!

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  36. 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.

    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  37. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, Loretta, 200 books a year. Like a librarian! You go, girl! :)

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  38. 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)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keep ~ you're right. She does rock! Yelling is allowed. So glad you've read books by all of us.

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  39. Not sure if my comment got posted. I've read and enjoyed all of y'all's books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barb, nice to hear! thanks for reposting...since I didn't see the first. :)

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  40. I've read books by all of you. Not every book, but I'm certainly trying to.

    kaye.killgore@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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. :)

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  41. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristina, we love the first Tuesday of every month, too. Thanks for being a fan!

      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  42. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kuzlin, 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! :)

      ENJOY
      Happy new year.
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  43. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sharon, indeed, the best way not to be bored is read! May you enjoy all of our books.

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  44. Sorry that is Cleo Coyle. Hit some wrong keys and did not double check.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'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!
    patdupuy@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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!

      Happy new year!
      Daryl / Avery

      Delete
  46. Yum! the lemon curd tart sounds lovely!!! i haven't red Lucy, Sheila or Peg, but i intend to! woofmew@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'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.

    dotkel50 at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oops... that's Comcast (small c)

      Delete
    2. Dotty, what a fun challenge. Good for you.

      Daryl/Avery

      Delete
  48. Not yet but they are on my TBR list!!! And one of my New Year's resolutions!

    woodrumbetty@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I've read books by all of the authors here!!!!
    tho I'm behind on most of the series, at least I've started ALL of them!!!!

    cyn209 at juno dot com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I've Cleo Coyle's books and yours!! jlewis at presbyws dot org

    ReplyDelete
  51. slpetera@yahoo.com Can't wait to read your newest.

    ReplyDelete