Fifty-two days from the finish line and I’ve hit another ’30 Before 30′ goal. I figured it was time for a little alcohol. It is a new year, after all, and I’ve made quite a few dishes on my list, but there’s an even bigger reason to celebrate. C and I are engaged!!
Imagine Christmas Day. Nestled inside a wooden picnic basket, there was to be a red velvet cake, with the words, “Will you marry me?” piped in sweet red icing on the top. A cloisonné cupcake box was to gingerly hold the emerald cut diamond ring. However, things didn’t go according to plan. After a heartfelt conversation two days prior about friendship and family, things clicked perfectly into place and C got down on one knee in his childhood bedroom to propose to me (importantly, reciting my first and middle name beforehand). Lots of tight hugs, tiny kisses and many happy tears followed.
Wash the lemons in hot water and scrub with a vegetable brush to remove any pesticides or wax; pat the lemons. Carefully zest the lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler so there is no white pith on the peel.
In a large 1-gallon glass jar, add one bottle of vodka; add the lemon zest as it is zested. Cover the jar and let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days and up to 40 days in a cool dark place. The longer it rests, the better the taste will be. There is no need to stir – all you have to do is wait. As the limoncello sits, the vodka slowly takes on the flavor and rich yellow color of the lemon zest.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water; cook until thickened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Let the syrup cool completely, then add to the limoncello mixture from Step One. Add the additional bottle of vodka and allow to rest for another 10 to 40 days.
After the rest period is complete, strain and bottle the limoncello. Store in the freezer until ready to serve.
Toasting our engagement with Homemade Limoncello!!
Oh, Jess! I’m so happy for you. 🙂 Congratulations to you and Chris.
Love it!. Best laid plans don’t always work out but sometimes you just go with what is in your heart and you know when it is right. You gotta love that boy (oops man). Can’t wait till the fall; what an exciting year ahead.
Sounds like celebratory limoncello is in order 🙂 Enjoy the months ahead!
Congratulations, Jessica! What a wonderful drink for celebrating. You reminded me of my own “plan B” proposal at Christmastime 12 (yikes!) years ago. I wouldn’t change anything, even if it didn’t go exactly as my boyfriend-fiance-husband planned! You have a very busy and exciting 2012 ahead.
Congratulations! You certainly have a wonderful and exciting year ahead.
Congrats again!! I can’t wait for you to officially be my sister!! I’m so excited for you guys!! Love you!!
CONGRATS again!!! The ring is gorgeous! And a Texas fall wedding, how fun!!! 🙂 So happy for you!
Congratulations! What a beautiful start to the year…so much fun! Gorgeous photos of you, including that left hand ring shot! I’m smiling from ear to ear, so happy for you both.
Congrats!!!! Good luck with the wedding planning!
sorry, I don’t know why it posted twice!
So sweet and so exciting!! Congratulations! You will be a stunning bride and I know a fabulous wife. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!
What an exciting holiday you had. Your ring is beautiful, so happy for you.
Congratulations! What a gorgeous ring.