While Hive's been pumping, I've been mostly absent. IBS issues caused a couple of very scary episodes, but for now, there is no cause for concern! I may tell you about that in a separate post as a warning to others to take care of their gut health!
Suffice it to say, I have to go back to being careful with what goes into my mouth!
That doesn't stop me from creating delicious treats to add to my stash of Gifts from the Heart which I will give away to my nearest and dearest. I can still enjoy most of these by limiting servings.
I love sweet and sour, so today, I will show you how to make two super swift treats: Sweet and sour Pickled Cucumbers and luscious zesty Lemon Curd.
Shall we get going, the days seem to be getting shorter, and time waits for no man, or woman, as in my case!
The very first task is to sterilize your bottles. I wash them in soapy water, rinse well, then place bottles and lids in the oven on the lowest setting for approximately 20 minutes.
We'll start with Sweet & Sour Cucumbers. I shake my head thinking how did I forget about this super simple and really delicious recipe? Use them in place of Gherkins on Burgers, in Salads, or on Sandwiches.
Ingredients
Sweet & Sour Cucumbers Recipe
- 2-3 English Cucumbers, sliced super thinly
- 30ml Pickling Spice - cloves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, cardamom, coriander, star anise, and bay leaves
- 10ml Salt
- 190ml Sugar
- 250ml White Wine Vinegar
- 400ml Water
Add all pickling ingredients into a large pot over a medium heat
Stir to dissolve, add cucumbers and cook for only 2 minutes
You will notice the colour of the cucumbers changes.
Spoon into bottles, and immediately seal tightly.
See how the background changes the appearance!
Next up is something to sweeten your day - zesty Lemon Curd, using only four ingredients - butter, eggs, sugar, and lemons, of course - the juice, and the zest. I shared this recipe a long while ago, but substituted some of the Lemon juice with passion fruit which is a nice twist on the classic Lemon Curd. This must be one of the easiest and most delicious Lemon Curd recipes; no need to cook it over a pot of water.
Sweet and simple!
Ingredients
Lemon Curd Recipe
- 500 gram Butter
- 625ml Sugar
- Juice of 4 and rind of 2 Lemons
- 4 Eggs, beaten
Place all ingredients into a deep pot
Place on medium heat, and bring to a light boil while stirring continuously.
Be careful of the heat as it may burn if the stove is too hot.
Remove from heat as soon as the mixture has reached boiling point and is bubbling nicely.
Pour into sterilized bottles, and seal while hot.
Lemon Curd is super spread on toast or crackers, and of course is delicious spread on sponge cakes, or to use as a filling for an open tart.
As I shared with you before, homemade gifts from your kitchen are way more meaningful than simply digging into your purse and buying commercialized gifts! If you don't have time to make your own gifts, why not look at markets, and support crafters and foodies who produce goods from home!
Pack a selection of your homemade goodies into a basket, something that for sure will warm the hearts of your friends <3
Those are gifts that are made with love.
Links to previous Gifts from my Kitchen
Chicken & Mushroom Pies
Chewy Date Caramel Bites
White Kimchi
Crunchy Date Balls
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