The Lemon Syrup Food

LEMON SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Heat sugar, zest, and 2 cups water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil. Pour through a fine sieve into a medium bowl; discard solids. Let cool completely. Stir in lemon juice.

LEMON SYRUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
• Pour the syrup into a heatproof bowl and let cool to room temperature, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice.
• You may make ahead, the syrup keeps indefinitely.

LEMON SYRUP

Steps:

• Heat lemon juice, water, sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch in a pot over medium heat. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
• Pour the lemon syrup into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top.
• Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles.
• Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Process jars in boiling water in a large pot for 10 minutes; remove jars from pot and allow to cool.
• Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight.

LEMON LEMON LOAF

Steps:

• MAKE THE LEMON CAKES
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the sides and bottom of two 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the paper.
• Sift both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
• Put the sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until combined. With the motor running, drizzle the butter in through the feed tube. Add the sour cream and vanilla and pulse until combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
• Sprinkle the flour mixture, one third at a time, folding gently after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F., and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
• Let cool in the pans for 15 minutes.
• MEANWHILE, MAKE THE LEMON SYRUP
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and invert the loaves onto the pan. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the loaves.
• Brush the tops and sides of the loaves with the lemon syrup. Let the syrup soak into the cake and brush again. Let the cakes cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
• (The soaked but unglazed loaves will keep, wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap and frozen, for up to 6 weeks.)
• IF YOU LIKE, MAKE THE LEMON GLAZE
• In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners' sugar and 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If the mixture is too stiff, add up to another 2 tablespoons lemon juice and whisk again, adding small amounts of lemon juice and/or confectioners' sugar until you get the right consistency. Pour the lemon glaze over the top of each loaf and let it drip down the sides. Let the lemon glaze harden, about 15 minutes, before serving.
• The glazed loaves will keep for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, at room temperature.