When Life Gives You Lemons….

Gardeners are gearing up for their spring plantings and harvesting the last of winter’s bounty. Whether you’re pulling from a potted tree on your perch, patio or balcony or from a plot in the Bay Meadows’ Community Garden at Persimmon Park, these popular citrus trees often leave their gardeners with so many lemons that they don’t know what to do with the bountiful harvest. Of course, you can always share with neighbors and friends but, more times than not, you will still find yourself with residual lemons.

So what will you do when life gives you lemons? We’ve rounded up a number of simple recipes to help you fully utilize your citrus harvest.  From side dishes to lemonade, lemon powder to zesty pasta, we have some amazing recipes that will make the most of your lemon collection.

Pickled Lemons – This lemon pickle is sweet, salty and tangy! The best thing about this recipe is that you can continue to add to it any time you have lemons! Try it will yogurt and granola or in your next round of fish tacos!
Click for the recipe.

Dried Lemon Slices – There are so many ways to use these beauties.  Just add them to a cheese board, float one on your Hot Toddy, top off a baked lemon chicken and rice dish, or use them as garnish; the options are almost endless.
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Preserved Lemons – Found in the culinary traditions of North Africa, preserved lemons feature prominently in Moroccan cooking, often paired with chicken or fish or added to slowly cooked deeply flavorful tagines.
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Lemon Chutney – Served with snacks and as a side dish with main course meals, this sweet, sour and spicy gem is an integral part of Indian cuisine. It’s a beautiful addition to any cheese and cracker board.
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Homemade Lemonade – Refreshing from the first sip, homemade lemonade is best served ice cold with that perfect balance of tart and sweet. This recipe is so easy, you’ll have it memorized in no time. Add some fresh, lime, strawberries, raspberries or a shot of tequila to mix things up!
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Lemon Powder – Make great use of leftover lemon peels and turn them into a vitamin-C rich dried lemon powder. The result is a unique, delicious, bright, sweet and tangy seasoning powder that can be used in more ways than you’d imagine!
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Lemon Juice ice cubes – Lemon infused water (also called fruit water) pack a big nutritional punch, and they add great flavor when added to a tall glass of water, juice blends, smoothies and more.
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Party cubes – Enjoy this simple recipe for lemonade ice cubes, studded with fresh berries, herbs or edible flowers. They have a hint of sweetness and pair brilliantly with the tartness of the lemon.
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Pasta Al Limone – Simple and delicious, this zesty classic lemon sauce recipe will have everyone coming back for more.
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When life gives you lemons, what will you make? Tag us on Instagram in your photos @baymeadowslife #baymeadowslife to share lifestyle tips and recipes with your neighbors!

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