Lemon Confit

Zeldaz's Note:

From the "Seven Fires" Argentine cookbook. "The combination of fruitiness, bitterness, and a floral bouquet in a lemon confit helps to focus and refine the powerful flavor of grilled meat, poultry, and fish." You could also chop some of it finely to add to a vinaigrette or a light pasta dish. You can save your juiced lemon halves in the freezer until you have enough to make a batch. Also, if you cannot use the confit fast enough, you may want to store it in small containers in the freezer to eliminate the possibility of microbial growth.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 2.5 cups

• 4 lemons
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 black peppercorns
• about 2 cups extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions:

1. Cut the lemons in half; squeeze the juice and reserve it for another use.
2. Put the squeezed lemon halves in a large saucepan and add the bay leaves, peppercorns, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the white wine, and salt. Add enough water to completely cover the lemons and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook gently over medium-low heat until the lemon peel is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool in the liquid.
3. Drain the lemons and tear the peel into rough strips about 1 inch wide. Place a strip of lemon peel skin side down on the work surface and, using a sharp paring knife, scrape away every bit of the white pith, leaving only the yellow zest. Repeat with the remaining peel.
4. Put the strips of lemon zest in a small container ond cover completely with olive oil. The confit will keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for at least a week.