Candied Lemon Slices Giada Food

CANDIED LEMON PEEL

Steps:

• Cut lemons into slices about 1/4 inch thick and remove the fruit pulp. Cut the rings in half so the peels are in long strips.
• Bring water and lemon peel to a boil in a small pan. Drain water, and repeat with fresh cold water. Repeat the boiling step three times (see Editor's Note). Drain and set peels aside.
• Combine 2 cups fresh water with 2 cups sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to low and stir in citrus peels; simmer until the white pith is translucent. Store peels in syrup, refrigerated, to keep them soft, or allow them to dry. Toss dry candied peels in additional sugar and store airtight at room temperature.

OVEN CANDIED LEMON SLICES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 275*F.
• Liine a 15x10x1" baking pan with parchment paper(or wax paper).
• Cut 2 small lemons crosswise into 1/8-1/4 inch thick slices.
• Arrange in a single layer on pan.
• Sprinkle lemon slices with 1/4 cup sugar.
• Bake in at 275*F. 45-50 minutes or until lemons are almost dry and covered with a sugary glaze. While still warm, loosen slices from paper to prevent sticking.

CANDIED LEMON SLICES

Steps:

• Combine the water and sugar in a large 12" or 14" skillet over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
• Place the lemon slices into the skillet in a single layer. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes flipping the slices occasionally throughout.
• Remove the lemon slices to a parchment lined baking sheet letting as much excess syrup drip off as possible. (*see note)
• Let dry on the baking sheet uncovered at room temperature for 24 hours. The candied lemon slices will be tacky after drying for 24 hours but dry enough to use as garnishes or chop up into baking recipes, etc.
• Store any leftover lemon slices between sheets of parchment in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

CANDIED LEMON SLICES

Steps:

• Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, cut lemon into 12 paper-thin slices; discard seeds and ends of rind.
• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Remove from heat, and add lemon slices; stir until softened, about 1 minute. Drain, and immediately plunge slices into ice-water bath. Drain.
• Bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium skillet, swirling to dissolve sugar. When liquid is clear and bubbling, reduce heat to medium-low. Add lemon slices, arranging them in one layer with tongs. Simmer (do not let boil) until rinds are translucent, about 1 hour.
• Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment. Let stand until ready to serve. Lemon slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 day.

LEMON BUNDT CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GLAZE AND CANDIED LEMON

Steps:

• For the candied lemon: Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon slices and simmer until tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Let cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Finely chop the candied lemon slices. Set aside.
• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a nonstick Bundt pan with vegetable spray.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. On low speed, slowly add the buttermilk and the vanilla. Stop the mixer, add the lemon zest and juice, and mix to incorporate. With the mixer on low, add the flour, one cup at a time, until combined. Finally, add the baking powder, baking soda and salt. Raise to medium speed and mix for 1 minute, until the batter is fluffy and smooth. Mix in the chopped candied lemons. With a spatula or wooden spoon, transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth out the top. Set the pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden and a cake tester comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before turning it out onto a plate.
• For the glaze: Place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Once bubbles have formed around the edges of the cream, pour it over the chocolate. Whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth. Pour the glaze over the Bundt cake, using a spatula or spoon to push the glaze down the sides and center of the cake.

GRILLED SWORDFISH WITH CANDIED LEMON SALAD

Steps:

• In a small saucepan combine the sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Add the lemon segments and simmer for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cool the lemons in the liquid. Using a slotted spoon, remove the segments from the liquid and reserve both for later use.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard and 2 tablespoons of the reserved lemon liquid. Whisk in the olive oil, basil and 1/8 teaspoon of the salt. Reserve half of the dressing for the fish. Add the arugula, olives and reserved lemon segments to the dressing but do not toss. Set aside.
• Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Dry the fish well using paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt and the olive oil. Grill the steaks until golden brown and the fish release easily from the pan, 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on the thickness of the steaks. Toss the salad in the dressing and add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place a piece of fish on each plate and top with some of the salad. Spoon the reserved dressing around the fish.