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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Orange Curd—Sunshine in a Bowl!


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My whole family adores citrus, not just in sweet treats, but in many savory dishes as well.  I’ve made citrusy vinaigrette such as this one here and it’s been my family’s go-to salad dressing ever since.  With all the citrus fruit I get from my In-Law’s garden, it’s hard not to love these fruits.  If you haven’t done so, check out this Meyer Lemon Curd with Vanilla Sugar Recipe, it’s good on almost everything, such as toasts, scones, tarts, or even by the spoonful, ahem….don’t ask me how I know that.

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So, with the super sweet oranges that I got recently, I’ve made some orange curd.  I put quite a bit of zest in this curd because I love the aroma from the zest.  The zest contains the essential oil and carries lots of flavor, even more so than the juice itself, in my opinion.  So, I didn’t strain this curd after it’s done cooking because I want as much zest in my curd as possible.  If you prefer a smoother curd with no zest, by all means pass the cooked curd through a strainer, the choice is yours. 

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This Orange Curd taste like sunshine in a bowl to me.  It’s tart, its’ sweet, and it’s refreshing, yet it’s also very rich and creamy without any cream in it.  It puts a smile on my face every time I taste it.  I’m sure it’ll do the same to you if you give this recipe a try.  If the weather in your area is less than perfect, this Orange Curd  will brightens up your day.  Happiness could be really simple, as simple as a tablespoon of orange curd on a slice of homemade bread.  I believe happiness depends on our attitude in regards to how we perceive things around us. 

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Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope you enjoy today’s recipe.  So, please share with me, what kind of recipes make you feel happy?  I would love to hear from you and give your recipe a try too.   Meanwhile, be happy and keep smiling.  You never know who would fall in love with your smile.  Smile

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Orange Curd: (Printable Recipe)
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
8 egg yolks
a pinch of kosher salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar and egg yolks until well combined. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until mixture is thick, about 8 to 10 minutes, or until mixture coats the back of the spoon.

Remove from heat and stir in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate until orange curd is chilled and firm, at least 2 hours. Keep refrigerated and enjoy the curd within the next 10 days.

102 comments:

  1. I'm smiling already as I read this--thank you for a bright spot in my day, Amy!

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    1. Thank you. I'm glad to bring a little smile and sunshine your way. ;) Have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  2. Truly makes my day with this sunny citrus post. I've never tried orange curd before but this sounds good ! Cheesecake makes me feel happy especially seasonal fruity cheesecake. Love the intense flavor of fruits in creamy cheese ! YUM! ;)

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    1. I can see why cheesecake makes you feel happy, it's one of my favorite treats to indulge! :) Glad you like this orange curd. It's truly delicious and I'm off to make another batch. :P

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  3. I love citrus flavours too. And you are so true abt the Orange Curd - It does feel like sunshine in a bowl. Something that would spread some cheer just by being on the table :) A refreshing drink in a hot weather is something that makes me really happy - not to mention some desserts ;) Have a great day!

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    1. Thank you. A refreshing drink in a hot weather will make me super happy too, yes, can't forget the desserts. ;) Wish you a beautiful rest of the week.

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  4. I love this imagery! And imagine the bursts of flavor.

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    1. Thank you, Belinda. Very refreshing flavor, in deed.

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  5. I don't even know how often I have made lemon curd, but somehow it never occured to me to prepare orange curd - stupid me! This looks so delicious I can't wait to make this.

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    1. I know, I LOVE lemon curd too and I made that quite often. :) It's okay, don't be harsh on yourself. I think because orange is more on the sweet side so most of us (even me) don't think of making curd out of them in the first place. ;) That's why I add the lemon juice for some tartness to balance out the flavor in this curd. Wish you a wonderful rest of the week. Take care.

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  6. OMG your pictures scream "take me"! I am so making it today!

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    1. Thank you for trying the recipe, Faye. Glad you like my recipe and pictures. :)

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  7. Hi Amy, I love all sorts of citrus curds esp orange and lemon ones. The colour is so vibrant, it really is like sunshine in a bowl! :)

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    1. Thank you, Baby Sumo. Glad you know that you love citrus too. :) Have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  8. I love citrus flavours and I'd made orange curd once. My family loved it very much! I'll definitely want to make orange curd again for sure :)

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    1. I know...orange curd tastes so good. Glad your family love it too. :) I need to make another batch as well. hehehe...they are just so good! Have a wonderful rest of the week, Ann. Take care.

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  9. I've never had any kind of curd, I wonder if I could veganize this?? Either way, it looks delicious!

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    1. Hm...it'll be great idea to veganize this cos I have a few friends also on vegan diet. I'm sure they'll appreciate a vagan curd recipe. :)

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  10. Your description is too apt my friend, now where is my spoon ;)

    Cheers
    CCU

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    1. Here's your spoon and cheers, my friend. Can I use a bowl of orange curd in exchange of your Nutella pound cake? Just a thought. :P

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  11. I love curds! Curd with orange flavor? Even better!

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  12. Oh boy does this look good! Full of sweet and tart and citrus goodness. This would wake me up in the morning no doubt :)

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    1. :) Thank you. Yes, it's so good to wake up with this sunshine in the morning.

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  14. Tiene un aspecto muy bueno me encanta la cuajada,abrazos y abrazos.

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    1. Muchas gracias! Me alegro que te guste. Cuídate.

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  15. Hi Amy, I just finished making it and I have to restrain myself coz it's so addictive. I'm planning to use it for my orange angel food cake trifle which I'd layer with dark chocolate shavings. I was tempted to try your homemade bread recipe but I don't have a bread maker and I'm not prepared to knead the dough for 15 minutes lol.... Think I'd stick to my no-knead dough recipe for now. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe <3<3<3

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    1. Thank you again for trying this Orange Curd recipe. hm....it sounds decadent with orange angel food cake and dark chocolate!

      My bread machine broke a while ago and I've been using my mixer (with dough hook) to knead my dough so I don't have to knead by hand. I love using the mixer way better than bread machine cos I have more control in the kneading cycle. :) I know...kneading by hand could be a good workout! :P Need to eat a few more slices of bread to gain back those energies lost in kneading. ;) Have a beautiful day!

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  16. Hi Amy, your orange curd is lovely especially the fruit is taken from your in-law. I meant to plant some citrus trees for a long time, thanks for remaining me of this!

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    1. Thank you, Veronica. Yes, it's so nice to have fruit trees around. Too bad there's no space at my own place. Otherwise, I think I would grow vegetables and fruit everywhere. :P

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  17. Oh Amy. I'm not big fan of lemon and never thought to do this! Sounds heavenly. And what makes me happy? Baking cake because they are usually for something special!

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    1. Thank you, Abbe. Oh...so true. I love baking cakes too and yes, so often for something special. Hope you'll give this orange curd a try. :) Have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  18. Yum! I'm a huge citrus fan, and this curd sounds amazing! Sunshine in a bowl, I love it.

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    1. Yay! Glad to know you're also a citrus fan, Kim. Enjoy and hope you like this recipe. :) Have a beautiful rest of the week.

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  19. Very creative. Orange + curd - amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Sandi. Glad you like the orange curd idea. :)

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  20. this sunshine make my day. so beautiful! and refreshing.

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    1. Thank you. I'm glad to hear that this bowl of sunshine brightens up your day. :) Take care and have a wonderful rest of the week.

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  21. You are right, this does look like sunshine! I have made lemon curd, and blackberry curd, but now I am dying to try this! So bright and gorgeoaus, and I am sure, tasty! Thanks Amy!

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    1. Thank you, Sue. Hm...blackberry curd sounds really yummy. Can't wait to try it. :)

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  22. Citrus flavors are so wonderful! This looks particularly nice - love the addition of orange to a classic curb. Good stuff - thanks so much.

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    1. Thank you. I'm glad you like this orange curd. :) Wish you a wonderful rest of the week.

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  23. I love all manner of citrus curds. Maybe cos I love sour & sweet flavour combinations... sometimes even more than sweet & salty. Have to give this a go soon!

    ~Jayne

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    1. Thank you. I love sweet and sour combination a lot too. :) I'm sure you'll love this curd then, the tartness is great and not too sweet. :) Let me know how it goes if you've tried it.

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  24. I love citrus! I don't bake with it nearly enough. I could use some sunshine like this each day. :) It's gorgeous!!

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    1. Thank you, Sally. Glad you love citrus too. Yes, I love my sunshine on my plate (and in my tummy) everyday! :P

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  25. I've made plenty of lemon curd, but never thought to try it with oranges - brilliant idea! Yours looks terrific!

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    1. Thank you. Oh, you're going to love this orange curd too. I can't have enough of it.

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  26. i love citrus too, probably my favourite fruit family. This curd really is sunshine in bowl..look at the gorgeous color. Great job Amy, love it!

    Nazneen

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    1. Thank you, Nazneen. I'm glad to know that you also love citrus. :) Wish you a happy Friday and a great weekend ahead.

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  27. What a coincidence, Amy! I was just at your post about to comment when I saw yours on mine, & we're both on ORANGES!! Hahaha! You're presentation is super awesome too!

    I've only tried beancurd, but not orange curd. Lol! This is wonderfully new & I wanna have some too.

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    1. LOL...I know. What an coincident on the commenting time. Another coincident? I'm hosting a giveaway and I just noticed you have one on your blog. :)

      hehe...I love beancurd too. Although these two are totally different, I just love them both. :P

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  28. Wow....orange curd looks very bright & yummy.....innovative recipe....wonderful presentation Amy...:-)

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    1. Thank you, Helen. Glad you like it. I'm loving the brightness it brings too.

      Have a happy Friday and great weekend ahead.

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  29. Wow, I love the look of that orange curd! I usually see lemon curd but this one is a looker! Thanks for sharing Amy. I don't really have a specific recipe that makes me happy but whenever I bake, I get pretty jazzed because the smell of baked goods in the oven makes me happy. Cheers!
    Anne ~ Uni Homemaker

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    1. Thank you. Glad you like this orange curd. Oh yes, baked goods, especially homemade ones, made me really happy too. ;) Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend, Anne.

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  30. Those are generous dollops of your heavenly orange curd, perfect for a sunny start to the day! On the happiness food topic, well, I'm usually happy with just about any good food, but anything with chocolate always makes my day :)

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    1. Thank you. Oh yeah...it's a perfect way to brighten up any day. :) Totally agree...good food does make me happy, oh...chocolate sounds particular good too. :P Happy Friday to you and have a beautiful weekend ahead.

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  31. Since I've discovered that curd doesn't have to be lemon I've fallen in love with it! Orange curd (along with pineapple) is a particular favourite and your bowl of sunshine looks delicious

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    1. Thank you. Hm....I haven't tried pineapple curd yet and that sounds really delicious. Gotta give that a try next time I get fresh pineapples. :)

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  32. Lemon curd is just about one of my most favourite things in the world, and I always make lots of it during lemon season. Funnily enough, I've never made orange curd though - don't know why - obviously something I need to try, and I would definitely leave the zest in.

    It's still summer here, and I actually just made a strawberry curd a few days ago. The taste is sensational, but the strawberry colour is not as pretty once it's cooked as I expected.

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    1. Oh yeah, I love lemon curd too. And this orange curd is just as lovely. Hope you'll give it a try.

      hm...strawberries curd sounds delicious too. Maybe adding some fresh strawberries at the end instead of cooking them all down might help with the color? Just a thought. I guess I'll have to give that a try next time I get strawberries. :P

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  33. Your orange curd must taste great! Wish I could have some on my bread. :)

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    1. Thank you. Yes, it's so good! Perfect on bread and toast. :)

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  34. You are correct, your orange curd looks like sunshine in a bowl. I'm sure it is a delicious as it looks as well.

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    1. Thank you. Oh yes, this is very delicious and gone in no time. Always good to have oranges on hand to make another batch. :)

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  35. I love citrus too but yours slightly differs from what I used to make! Great photo and simply fabulous!

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    1. :) Good to know you love citrus too. It's fun to experiment with recipes to suit our own taste. Glad you like my photos. Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend ahead.

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  36. Gosh, your photos are amazing! I've never had orange curd, always thinking of marmalade when it comes to orange! You learn something every day! Will have to give this a try!

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    1. Thank you. I know, I always think of orange marmalade first when it comes to oranges. Since I still have jars from last time I made a batch, so, I turn this time's orange harvest into curds. :) Let me know how it turns out if you try. I love it so much. Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend ahead.

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  37. I have a feeling I would eat the whole bowl in one sitting... it looks amazing.

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    1. :P I have a feeling we could be great friends and have fun cooking, and eating, together! Have a happy Friday, Pam.

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  38. What a yummy orange curd... Delicious!

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    1. Thank you. Glad you like it. Have a happy Friday. :)

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  39. Amy, thank you for bringing sunshine to my house with this beautiful curd! I feel as if it was spring outside. I love your bowls too.

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    1. Thank you. Glad you feel a little sunshine and Spring with this orange curd. :)

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  40. This sounds wonderful! I love lemon curd and use it in sweets and on toast all the time, but making an orange curd sounds even more dreamy! Excellent idea!

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    1. Thank you, Eva. These are really delicious. Hope you'll give it a try. Yes, more dreamy than lemon ones for sure. ;) Have a great weekend ahead.

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  41. I am cooking a lot with oranges and lemons lately. Amy, Your orange curd looks divine! Thank you for sharing-)

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    1. Thank you, Yelena. Glad you love citrus as well. Have a beautiful weekend.

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  42. Holy cow, check out the color of this curd! So beautiful. And i bet it tastes so fresh, yum :)

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    1. Thank you, Amy. I'm glad you like it. I really enjoy the refreshing taste from this curd. :) Take care and have a great weekend.

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  43. thanks for dropping by Amy. your space is so pretty and full of delicious recipes :)

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    1. Thank you, Tanu. Glad you like my recipes. :) Wish you a beautiful weekend ahead.

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  44. Citrus makes me happy this time of year. Utah is still pretty cold and dead so I love to have a big bowl of lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit on my table. It adds a bit of spring!
    This recipe looks delicious--your photos are beautiful.

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    1. Oh yeah, a big bowl of citrus on the table definitely will bring the feeling of Spring and it's such a natural and beautiful decor. :) Thank you and I'm glad you like my pictures and recipe. Have a wonderful weekend.

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  45. Lovely recipe and it's one that makes me feel like spring is coming.

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    1. Thank you, Nic. Glad you like the recipe. Yes, I think Spring is coming soon. :)

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  46. Your house must be so naturally filled with citrus aroma while making this!

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    1. Oh yeah, it was wonderful and to refreshing. :) I love the citrus aroma.

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  47. Hi Ami, this is an amazing recipe. I would like to pin it!!! Where is the pin button here?

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    1. Thank you, Daniela. LOL....Thanks for your interest in pinning. I guess it's time for me to work on that Pin Button! :P

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  48. It really does look like sunshine in a bowl! So bright and happy. I love tart, citrus-y flavors.

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  49. Wow, Amy! This looks & sounds amazing! I will definitely have to try it. Great photos, too!

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  50. That looks incredible! I love curd and orange curd sounds fab! I also love that you used lots of zest and didn't strain it. One less step to have to deal with.

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