Lemon Curd - A Matter of Taste

Monday, August 25, 2008

Last weekend I was invited to afternoon tea at the Washington Duke Inn on Duke University's campus. This was the weekend students were returning to school for more academics and college time fun. Let there be no mistake college is not all about the books!

If you have never been to the Duke University Campus, you are in for a huge surprise. It is nestled in Durham, North Carolina and the Gothic architecture is amazing. Every since I moved to North Carolina I have been taken back by the abundance of trees and the picture perfect landscaping that is characteristic throughout the state. As we enter the gate leading to the Washington Duke Inn there is little doubt that this would be a memorable occasion.

Much to my surprise there were only two tables occupied with Tea time guest. The dining room was stately, the wait staff attentive and gracious and the intimate setting perfect for an afternoon with friends or a romantic soirée with Price Charming. Please note, do not come here if you need a full course meal, this is tea. The staff served finger sandwiches, the traditional, cucumber, tuna, chicken, pimiento and that southern favorite of all finger foods, deviled eggs. There were small cakes, truffles and miniature fruit tarts. The "Pièce de résistance" was the scones. They were absolutely perfect; not dry, moist in the center, crisp all around, just divine. There were two flavors, walnut and cranberry. The scones were served with three spreads; crème fraîche, lemon curd and strawberry preserves. Hence the title of this Blog "Lemon Curd - A Matter of Taste."

I am old school; I can remember the lemon chess pie, the lemon meringue pie, lemon tarts, lemon bars, lemon sugar cookies and lemon curd. Perhaps lemons are not popular today because they are a bit expensive or because we just stop preparing foods that use lemon as the star of the show.

The lemon curd served at the Washington Duke Inn was superb. Smooth, tart and refreshing. I started to feel sad because no one would ever experience this wonderful moment unless they came here for tea. No one would partake of this heavenly lemon curd unless they were nibbling on these magnificent scones. Then I began to realize that lemons are a dying breed and perhaps this is the way of the world. In the next few years perhaps lemons will make a comeback and become the reigning queen of the flavor palate. Nope, I don't think so either.

The next time you are wondering through Durham, North Carolina and it's around 1 p.m. or so, mosey on over to the Washington Duke Inn for tea and try the lemon curd with your scones, you know the old sayin' "try it you'll like it," I promise.

p.s. the Organic Blackberry tea was fantastic too!