Friday, December 18, 2009

Family Tradition

In my quest to make nice Christmas gifts I continued a long standing family tradition by making Lemon Butter. My Great-Great Grandmother was given this recipe by an English lady and my Great-Grandmother made it every Christmas. I am not a very big lemon fan, but this stuff is to die for. You can put it on french toast, waffles, muffins, rolls, or quick breads, or eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon.
So I emailed my Aunt Sharon for the recipe and got to work. It was very easy to make and took about a 30 minutes total. I doubled the recipe to get enough for 4 pint jars.

Lemon Butter

2 cups sugar
1 cube butter
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup lemon juice

In top of a double boiler add sugar, butter, beaten eggs and lemon juice. Cook on medium high/medium, stirring till smooth then can be stirred occasionally. When it starts to thicken slightly and the thin white foam on top disappears cook just a few more minutes and poor in jars.

I've been told it does not work in a regular pan. If you don't have a double boiler you can use any pan with water in the bottom and a heat proof bowl for the top part.

I don't have a double boiler so I put a metal bowl on top of a pan and went to work. It worked great.


This is what it will look like what it is almost done. Next, pour butter into cute jars and let cool. Refrigerate after cool. Butter can be frozen. Use within a few weeks of making, if it lasts that long! This makes a wonderful gift. People will ask for it again and again.

My Aunt told me that I would be the 5th generation in our family to make this recipe! That made it even more fun. I love having a connection to the past and my family. That is what life is about. Thanks for sharing this recipe, Sharon!

We now have a 6th generation that loves this stuff. He could not get enough of the Lemon Butter! He even liked it on his french toast. Hope you enjoy it too! Let me know how you like it!

Merry Christmas

I have linked up with Fresh from the Farm for the Holly Jolly Recipe swap. Go check out all the cute recipies.

7 comments:

Amy @ Keep'n The SunnySide said...

It sounds wonderful Maria. Very special that you are continuing a family tradition, and you can share this recipe with your kiddo's too.

tammy said...

That sounds yummy. I have a friend who loves her butter, and my son loves anything lemon. Can't wait to try it. Thanks!

Natasha said...

Did you make me some? I stopped by Aunt Violets the other day and she was doing all of her Christmas baking. I just love her, I feel like I still have a connection to Grandma Vanhorn, and Evelyn through her.

Beth said...

This sounds really good! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Charmaine said...

right out of the jar is definitely my vote. One of my favorite things during the holidays, except not living there means I have to make my own. Gramie made some, I am sure of it, and the only thing better is her peanut butter fudge :) Charmaine

Megan said...

This was wonderful! My favorite way to have it is spread it on some warm poppy seed bread - yum! Thanks for a special and great recipe.

Lynn said...

This sounds great and I love that it's an old family recipe! Thanks for sharing:@)