Does the word ‘curd’ freak anyone else out?
I tried my first cheese curds about a year ago. That was a big step. Then a few months later I made lemon curd (yes, I know they’re not the same). Heaven. So why does the name still scare me? I guess it’s just what happens when you’re me. No big deal.
So the other day I was absolutely craving lemon curd and lo an behold had absolutely zero lemons in the house. It’s how life goes guys, it’s inevitable. But what I did have was oranges. Done and done!
I suppose the inspiration came when I was watching Barefoot Contessa (it’s an addiction people…an addiction I don’t want to get rid of) and Ina made a lime curd tart. Besides the fact that it sounds like heaven in a tart shell, I just felt like grinding the citrus zest and sugar together. I made my way to the kitchen and, after the great lemon disappearing act, grabbed a couple of oranges and got to work.
CREAMY HOMEMADE ORANGE CURD
(inspired by and based on Ina’s Lime Curd)
- 2 large naval oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 Tbsp butter at room temperature
- 4 eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp salt
Using a vegetable peeler peel the orange zest from the oranges. Process with the sugar until the bits of orange zest are small. Cream together the butter and orange-sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, then stream in the orange juice. It will look curdled (hence the ‘curd’ name). Empty contents of the bowl into a saucepan over low heat. Stirring constantly heat the mixture until the butter melts and the entire mixture starts to get creamy. You’re looking for a pudding-like consistency. Once the mixture resembles pudding remove from the heat and use in a tart shell or just let it cool in the fridge and use it as a dip for cookies, angel food cake, or pound cake. Enjoy!
So what to do with these now? That’s the beauty of it! Whatever your little curd-loving heart desires. I have to say though, top some crunchy ginger cookies with it and enjoy – that’s the best use I’ve found!
I love making curd! But yeah, it could so with a name change. 😉 Looks amazing!
I love the idea of orange curd ! I want some!
This looks incredible and sounds much easier to make than I thought! I would put mine on top of a crumbly scone…or just eating with a spoon would be good enough 🙂
This looks so summery and delicious. I’ve never had cheese curds and the word curd sort of freaks me out as well. But, this? This might just make me change my mind!
That looks great – I bet it would be perfect as a lil’ snack on the porch with white wine n’ sunshine. 🙂
I don’t care if it’s called curd – it’s tasty! Nope, never attempted making my own but that can be easily remedied thanks to you! 🙂
1. Yes the word curd is pretty scary and gross.
2. Have you ever tried the lemon curd from Trader Joe’s. It’s my first real experience with a curd. It’s good, but I’m wondering if homemade is better.
Something like this really should not have the name curd. It totally freaks me out too! I’m such a huge texture person that hearing curd makes me want to run in the other direction.
This is great – I just wrote a post (not yet published) about lemon bars and my fear of lemon curd! I agree it is a little scary – but you make it seem much more accessible 🙂
Haha, yes curd is scary! I would totally brave it though for this. Citrus “curds” sound wonderful. I don’t think I’d have the courage to tackle cheese curd though.
Love that tear shaped bowl!
Fantastic! I never would have thought of making orange curd.
There’s so much to be said for ingenuity when we’re out of the necessary ingredients.
Looks great!
give me a spoon!
great idea! Looks fabulous
Ha, yes, I agree– why do they have to call it “curd”? But this does look delicious!!
This looks fantastic, Heather! 🙂
looks delicious…