When life hands you lemons...make Limoncello!!!!

We are fortunate to have 3 lemon trees in our backyard..the problem is what do you do with about a million lemons? Well..you cn make lemonade, freeze the lemon juice, make lemon bars..but what do you do with the skins??? Why not make Limoncello!

Limoncello is an Italian Desert Liqueur that is made from the skins of lemons and grain alcohol! I took to making my own Limoncello this weekend....for those interested...it will be ready by the end of November! Until then, go to Trader Joes..they have a great Limoncello!

So here are the steps to make your own batch...plus the directions!

15 lemons...make sure that they are without blemish and bruises! Wash and dry them!Zest the lemons, making sure not to get the pith

lemon zest

You are going to need 2 bottles of 100 proof vodka or 2 bottles of Everclear.
I love the warning labels on the Everclear!
WARNING!!!
Overconsumption may endanger your health
CAUTION!!!!
EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE
Handle with Care!

The first batch done...for now!

2 batches made!!!

Here are the directions and Ingredients:
15 lemons
2 bottles of 100 proof vodka or 2 bottles of Everclear
4 cups sugar
5 cups water
1 gallon glass container with tght sealing lid

Step 1
Wash and dry the lemons
Zest the lemons, making sure not to get the pith (white stuff)
Add one bottle of Everclear or vodka and the zest to 1 gallon glass jar
let sit for 10 - 45 days ( the longer it sits the better it tastes)
Store the jar in a cool, dry place, dont leave in sunlight
The longer the zest sits in the alcohol the more vibrant the color of the liquid

Step 2 ( after 10 -45 days)
combine sugar and water in pan and cook until thickened to make simple syrup. Let the mixture cool and add to limoncello mixture
Add the addtional bottle of Everclear or Vodka
Store in same cool dry place for additional 10 -45 days!

Step 3 (after additional 10 - 45 days)
Wehen done aging strain out the lemon zest and bottle the limoncello
Keep limoncello in the freezer and serve icy cold!

ENJOY!!!