Limoncello

 It seems that nearly everyone along the Amalfi Coast in Italy makes their own version of Limoncello.  The lemons that grow in this region (just south of Naples and Vesuvius) are HUGE!
So, after our last visit, and having my Limoncello confiscated by TSA in Barcelona, I decided to just make my own.  (It is of course also available in most liquor stores).



Basically you need only 4 ingredients: vodka (or spirits), lemons (I used Meyer lemons), water and sugar.  There are several recipes on-line...I used Giada de Laurentii's version.


                                                                 It couldn't be simplier:

                     
I made 1/2 the recipe...so I used 5 Meyer lemons, and about 12.5 oz. of vodka.  After giving the lemons a good scrub, gently peel them, scraping any pith from the peel.

In a clean glass container, add the peel to the vodka, and seal with plastic wrap.  Let it sit at room temp for 4 days.

After the four days are up, make a simple syrup of water and sugar.  Use measurements from recipe on line.  Add to the vodka and lemon peel, and cover.  Keep at room temp for an extra day.  Now, strain the peel out of the limoncello, bottle it and keep it in the fridge for at least 4 hours.  It should last at least a month in the fridge.  It actually tastes great if you can freeze it.

Limoncello is a great little drink, and I do mean LITTLE.  For me, it is quite strong, therefore limoncello glasses are super small, and SUPER CUTE!  My grand daughters love to use them for whatever they happen to be drinking when the come over....no limoncello for them!


So, if life gives you lemons, try making limoncello!  You'll feel very Italian if you do!

                                                        VIEWS OF THE AMALFI COAST