Sunday, May 06, 2012

French Citron pressé (lemonade!)

 Lemon Bath (2)

While watching cooking shows, I am quick to take note of anything I might want to experiment with.

The French version of lemonade,
 pronounced Citron pressé = SIH-trone press-SAY,
 sounded really good, especially with all the crazy heat we were having in March!

I dropped my 2 lemons in boiling water for just 20 seconds or so, as they were not organic and I would be using the peels.


Peeling and julienning

After running the hot lemons under cold water to quickly chill, I peeled the lemons with my potato peeler. You want a bit more than the zest, but not the pith.
The potato peeler takes off just the right amount.
Then I julienned the peels.

 Sugar Bath

Put the julienned lemon peels in a saucepan with 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water.
Boil for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool.


Citron Presse in my 1.5 pint canning jar

Store the syrup in a glass jar in the fridge.
(I have had mine in the fridge for 2 months now and it is as fresh as when I first made it)
It makes me happy to see the bright yellow bits of lemon in my clear glass jar at the back of the fridge!

To serve:
Put 1 TBL of lemon syrup in a glass with a few ice cubes and a sprig of fresh mint.
Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Stir in cold water to taste.
Add more syrup if necessary.
This would be wonderful with club soda!
This is NOT an overly sweet lemonade...actually barely sweet at all...
When using just a tablespoon or so of the lemon syrup you are getting very little sugar, but lots of lemon flavor.
Next time I might add some julienned orange peel, or perhaps a bit of ginger?

In France, Citron pressé is made to order.
Nearly every cafe has it on their menu... 

A waiter brings you the freshly squeezed juice of a lemon, along with a pitcher of chilled water, a glass filled with ice, and some granulated sugar or sugar cubes.
You then proceed to make it as sweet/tart as you prefer. 

My personal preference is more tart than sweet.
I think the sweet is not nearly as thirst quenching, which is what I want on a hot summer day.


 Cleaning your cutting board

When you are done julienning your lemons, take 1/2 of a lemon and with a bit of coarse salt, rub it all over your cutting board, smooshing the salt and lemon into the board. 
Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse carefully.
This takes the smells out of your board and makes it fresh and sweet!

Au revoir,
Cindy


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19 comments:

susanwalkergirl said...

Dear Cindy,

That looks so refreshing and yummy. I think my husband and I would both enjoy that. I do believe we will have to give it a try.

Thank you for sharing! Susan

Unknown said...

Great post, Cyn.

Lots going on with me right now, and I have not been good at keeping in touch, or even visiting my blogger friends. You are on my mind and in a few weeks when life slows down, I will be in touch. I want to buy some of your products!

Lady Farmer said...

Well....YUM!
I feel refreshed already!
Thank you! ;~D

Barbara said...

That sounds really good

myletterstoemily said...

this looks like the most delicious lemonade
ever! i can't wait to try it. thank you!!!

Camille said...

Beautiful! I wish I could come over and sit with you awhile while we sipped some of that yummy nummy lemonade! SO pretty! :)

Yaay for natural ways to clean the cutting board.

Blessings,
Camille

Maria said...

Hi Cindy!
Oh thank you for your sweet visit this morning!
I have been so tired at night after work, I fall asleep too early to do much on the computer...
I have missed stopping here and now I see the wonderful posts I HAVE INDEED missed~!
I will print this recipe and pass it along to another blogger who used to teach French and would most likely love to know how to make Citron pressé!
I've wanted for the longest time to get a little something out to you... I saved your new address that you posted a while back... is it still the same?
Bless you always,
and
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY Dear ♥
God bless all those who mother, comfort and bring warmth to our hearts *
~ Maria

Farmgirl Cyn said...

Still the same, Maria...at least for the next 9 months!

Unknown said...

Cyn.
I Love your lemonade post....will be trying it.
Thanks for stopping by BlueSky Farm blog and leaving a comment.... Have agreat weekend
CHERYL

Sue from Ky. said...

Sounds delicious.I,too,may give it a try.

Rachel said...

I have never been that fond of lemonade but this sounds great. Seems lemonade never sits well on my stomach. Love that chopping board cleansing idea!

I have been bad at blogging myself. Your right, it's difficult when you are feeling down and depressed. Been there. Done that. Do that! I'll pray for you Cindy, and would appreciate it if you'd pray for me. Okay, I feel better now!! Hugs dear lady!

Donna said...

This sounds like a wonderful recipe! I''ll have to try it!

Katie said...

Your home-made version looks delicious.... but we can buy the syrups (about 25 different flavors) so cheaply... and they're so good. My favorites are the lime and the peach... I may have to try this, though - special occasion....

Thistle Cove Farm said...

I make simple syrup for ice drinks; makes it easier to sweeten them to taste. Cyn, this looks delicious!

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