A Homespun Year...Passionfuit spread...a divine treat...

Food is important to all of us.

Every milestone in our lives entails the consumption of food of some sort.

If you're like me, it's not just the nutritional value that's important, but also the memory that many foods carry with them.

Passionfruit curd, also known as Passionfruit Butter, Passionfruit Cheese and Passionfruit Spread, is something my Mum used to make.

Back in the day when every home had a backyard passionfruit vine, often groaning with glossy orbs that the crows would peck, it was criminal not to find a use for them. Of course we would eat them au naturel, slurping the flesh straight from the cup of the fruit, but eating Mums Passionfruit Curd was a special sort of treat.

The creamy sweet and tangy butteriness of curd belies it's simple ingredients. For a large family, scones or tarts filled with Passionfruit Curd was an inexpensive treat that tasted lavish and extravagant.

These days, I enjoy my Passionfruit Curd on gluten free toast in the morning served on a Limoges saucer gifted to me with a teacup for a significant birthday.

A super luxurious start to my day for mere cents.

Here's how you make it:

Makes about 750gms (1 1/2lbs) or three small jars worth.

Into a large microwave safe jug, place the following ingredients...

Pulp of 10-15 passionfruit

125gms caster sugar

125gms unsalted butter

In a separate jug....

Beat 4 large eggs until well combined

Then just...

Microwave the pulp mixture on HIGH for about 3 minutes, stirring every 60 seconds, just until the butter melts and is incorporated.

Remove from the microwave and whisk the egg in, drizzling it into the passionfruit mixture in a steady, fine stream.

Microwave on HIGH for two 30 second blasts, whisking well between each.

Finally, microwave on HIGH for one minute, and whisk well until thick and smooth.

Pour in to clean sterilised jars and refrigerate.

Done!

This keeps well, refrigerated for at least six months.

Use the curd to fill Tarts, Meringues, Pavlova, Swiss Rolls, Jam Drops, Victoria Sponge, or just enjoy as I do on your morning toast.

You'll feel very spoilt, I promise.

Also a fab addition to your foodie gift hampers.

Whenever I make this, and especially when I take that first mouthful, I feel my Mum standing next to me in her humble apron, nodding and smiling. It's a special moment.

 

....Mimi...