It was just prior to sunset on a typically balmy spring evening when we pulled up at the back of the orchard where the promise of abundant lemons laid waiting for us.
Nearby, the white and yellow paper daisies on the sand hills were calling out for my camera but I knew if I waited a few more moments the light might just improve. I estimated we had twenty minutes to pick our lemon bounty before I needed to capture those gorgeous outback flowers with my lens. It is funny how nowadays my family doesn’t even question my constant quest for the better light.
With a cold beer in hand we filled two big bags with lemons, mostly off the ground. We barely touched the heavily laden branches.
The daisies on the sand hills were waiting for me and back in my kitchen, my best friends butter, sugar and eggs were also waiting.
Over the next few days I gently spooned homemade lemon curd into a batch of warm, plain muffins.
This tangy lemon slice was a new recipe for me taken from the current issue of Fete magazine. My tribe loved this slice and I loved the no-nonsense recipe and the generous amount of eggs it used up.
Lurking deep in the freezer I found a chunk of sourdough focaccia. You guessed it; lemon curd seemed the obvious topping.
Some friends have received lemon gifts and there is lemon juice destined for the freezer.
Over the years I haven’t had any luck growing lemons and all of this zesty goodness feels like treasure.
Do you have a favourite lemony thing?
Are you waiting for the prettiest light with your camera?
Happy Sunday friends x
cityhippyfarmgirl
look at all that gorgeous light Jane. You are right to wait!
Lemons, lemons, lemons….anything lemony for me. Although I guess Lemon Meringue Pie still at the all time favourite, has to be tarty though. Nothing more disappointing than just plain sugary lemon meringue pie…waste of a tart!
Jane S
So true Brydie, I wouldn't mind a LMP right now x
Jo @ Country Life Experiment
I'm jealous of your lemon tree. We planted one last year and are trying to nurse it along until it is bigger. We get lots of hard frosts here, which they don't like.
Jane S
Unfortunately it is not my tree Jo! Good luck with your tree.
Anne Wheaton
It was worth waiting for the light.
Your lemons look wonderful. You're so lucky – I never get the chance to deal with a heap of lemons like that but just frugaly buy a few at a time. This is one of my favourite lemony things http://www.countrylife.co.uk/life-in-the-country/rose-princes-water-pudding-recipe-8293 though to be honest anything lemony fits the bill for me. I often make the lemon and coconut slice you wrote about a few years go.
Currently savouring the late afternoon light as it filters through the kitchen window. Happy sunny Sunday. x
Jane S
Thanks for the recipe link Anne. I am loving the autumn light from your place at the moment!
acoastalplot
Gorgeous, gorgeous. Your photos are so full of warmth and happiness Jane. How wonderful to have such an abundance of lemons. Lemon curd is a huge treat here and I love it. I, too, love waiting for the light. My children are getting used to me stopping the car to leap out, phone or camera in hand or lagging behind while we walk. Sam x
Jane S
Our children will be grateful for the documentation and history in years to come wont they Sam! x
passionfruitgarden.com
Hi Jane, I make a great lemon pickle 🙂
Jane S
Sounds good Glenda!
e / dig in hobart
I love that the paper daisies look like your pale muffins topped with dollops of lemon curd. wonderful!
I never have enough lemons to freeze the juice – what a thought. and I would love that lemon slice recipe – i'll keep my eye on the website, maybe they will post it soon!
thank you for sharing all that lemony sunshine 🙂 what a lucky place to be, your home right now!
Jane S
I will email you that recipe! You might have to remind me 🙂
Liz (Good Things)
Heaven on earth.
Jane S
Thanks Lizzy!
Leonie @ Cuppa and Cake
Hi, I have just stumbled upon your blog and thought I'd share my easy lemon tart.
http://cuppaandcake.blogspot.com.au/2009/08/when-lemon-tree-flourishes.html
I've just popped you into my reader….I love a blog with delicious photos!!
Jane S
Thank you Leonie, I appreciate your comment.
leaf (the indolent cook)
Gorgeous photos! I'm also a big fan of lemon curd and I like it nice and sharp. 🙂
Jane S
Thank you!
Chantille Fleur
You know I've never eaten or made lemon curd yet…I really must do it!
Those paper daisies are so pretty. Waiting for light is definitely worth it
Sarah x
Jane S
Just do it Sarah! The lemon curd I mean x
Sue
I too have a glut of yellow fruit. I wish I could swap some of my quinces for some of your lemons. I'm enjoying reading and gazing at your beautiful blog and I'm bookmarking some of your slice recipes.
Jane S
Thank you Sue, isn't it a shame we cannot do an online swap!
Jodie
Your lemons from the orchard look delicious! Citrus truly are my favourite fruit, unfortunately my lemons are long gone now – I do freeze bags full of them when I have plenty though, perfect for Winter baking…
That lemon slice looks simply delicious too.
I love making lemon tarts most of all when I have a glut of lemons… 🙂
Thanks for a gorgeous post, capturing life where you are…
Jodie xx
Jane S
Thank you Jodie, so happy to see you back in blog land! x