[DIY] Honey-Lemon Slices

    I was watching Kuroko no Basuke last year and saw the episode where they had these honey-lemon slices after a game. I remember seeing it in Nodame Cantabile, and a number of shoujo mangas as well. It always look so delicious... when made correctly, of course. Somehow these lemon slices are usually a good indicator of whether or not a character is good at cooking.

Heaven vs Hell XDD

I can't say that I am a good cook, but I'm pretty sure I can manage to remember to slice the lemon first XD So last year I badgered my roommate Esther to make it with me. We made two batches in total, and I don't know if it's because we didn't leave it in the honey long enough or what, but the whole thing came out a bit bitter. It's still pretty good for making tea with, and the thinner slices tastes alright, but we weren't really wowed by the final product. 

Here's a photo of last year's batch. We actually did it with limes. This photo was taken before we sealed it.

This year I went shopping at the local grocery store and saw that they had beautiful looking lemons, so I bought some honey and attempted it again. This batch turned out marvelously.

It's starting to get cold here in Taipei, and I've been having cold symptoms all week. A few slices and a few spoonfuls of the honey in a cup of hot tea down and all my symptoms cleared up like I had imagined them!

To make some honey-lemon slices yourself, you'll need:

• A jar or container that can be sealed airtight. 
• lemons (as much as you like)
• honey (as much as you need to cover all the lemons you're using)
• salt

So here's what you do:

1. With salt, scrub the outside of the lemon. The idea is to get the bitter oil out from the peel.
2. 
   
3. Slice lemon into thin slices and layer in container.
4. 
   
5. Cover lemon slice with honey. Be sure to cover it thoroughly. I do this by placing one layer of lemon slices, cover with honey, place another layer, cover with honey, and so one.  If you're using a jar, don't fill it to the brink. The honey will absorb the moisture from the lemons, so if you fill the jar up it will overflow.
6. 
   
7. Seal the container and leave for 3~5 days. You can leave it at room temperature or put it in the fridge. It takes longer in a refrigerator.

 This is what this batch looks like after 5 days.

It keeps for a long time, but I'm sure it won't take long for you to finish it =) I use up the honey really fast making tea.

My roommates really enjoyed it, and are now making some themselves. I'm thinking about making some in jars and sending them to my friends over winter vacation.

Been a bit busy lately so many things are currently on hold. I'll post a review of The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug in the next few days.

Oh and lastly, Merry Christmas, everyone!