EASY LEMON CURD RECIPE & LEMON POPPY SEED WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES

EASY LEMON CURD RECIPE
This was really good.  Put on top of waffles (crispy).  Used lemons from bountiful baskets.  I added about 1/2 tsp lemon zest.  It was definitely lemony.  

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (2-3 lemons), room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 egg, room temperature

Instructions

1. Whisk together the egg and sugar in a large microwave-safe bowl. Then whisk in the melted butter and lemon juice until thoroughly combined. Be sure to use a bowl that is big enough to avoid bubble-overs. The lemon mixture should fill no more than 1/4 of the bowl.
2. Microwave the mixture for 1-minute increments, removing from the microwave and stirring to combine after each minute.
3. When the curd starts to thicken; sticks the back of a spoon; and starts to mound a bit as you stir, it's done. (It will be like a gel consistency, but will thicken more once cooled.) If you are unsure, you can look for a temperature of about 187 degrees. Cook time will take anywhere from 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the strength/power of your microwave.
4. Stir the curd one more time, spoon it into a storage container, and refrigerate until firm.
5. Keep curd refrigerated for up to 3 weeks; freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Avoid using a metal utensil to mix the hot lemon mixture, in order to avoid a metallic taste. (forgot about this and used my metal whisk - it was fine).

You can use lemon curd on:

• scones
• toast
• muffins
• doughnut or pie filling
• mixed with whipped cream
• served with cookies
• cakes (including cheesecake)

LEMON POPPY SEED WHITE CHOCOLATE BLONDIES 

We liked this, but wouldn't ever craze.  Good if craving lemon, wanting something different or a good way to use up any leftover lemon curd.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup prepared lemon curd
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Place butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30-45 seconds, until butter is melted and hot. Add 3/4 cup white chips and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, if needed place back in microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds to melt through.
3. Stir flour, sugar, white chocolate chips, baking powder and salt into the melted chocolate mixture. Stir in eggs and lemon curd and poppy seeds until well combined. Transfer to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Let cool completely then cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar and serve at room temperature or chilled.