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The lemon. It is my favorite item to have on hand in the larder of Our Scented Cottage. I know what you're thinking... a citrus product is your favorite item when there are so many others? Let me tell you the many ways you can use your lemons, or my favorite product, Real Lemon juice in the bottle. It lasts much longer than having the actual fruit, although I would be the first to admit it is much less attractive than a display of lovely yellow fruits nestled in a beautiful wicker basket.
Lemons are very rich in vitamin C, and many other valuable nutrients, and this gives lemons a unique position in beauty applications. Because of their versatility, they have been used since ancient times for beauty products. They originally come from Asia but it is believed by many that India is their birthplace.
I love making as many of my own products as possible. That includes not only foods and cleaners but beauty products as well. The lemon is one item I can count on for any occasion. It exfoliates my skin, lightens my freckles, bleaches my nails when the need arises (the lovely vintage red crimson nail color presents issues on the occasions when I wish to be free of polish), it removes product residue from your hair and more.
It also cleans like nothing else (well maybe vinegar but lemon works wonders too). Put lemon on your sponge and apply to your glass shower doors. Let it sit a minute or two and then wipe with your sponge and rinse. If there is any soap residue left you can apply a little baking soda with some more lemon and scrub and then rinse again. It will sparkle with the likes of a new one and make your powder room smell fresh and clean. Lemon and baking soda remove soap scum from tubs, showers, sinks etc as well.
Now, on to the kitchen where you can fill your scented cottage with the aroma of lemon cakes or cookies, or gingerbread with a wonderful lemon sauce, cream or frosting. Yes! All from the mighty bottle of lemon juice tucked inconspicuously away in your refrigerator.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes for you..
For Beauty..
Hand and feet exfoliant
Mix lemon and brown sugar or salt and apply with a rubbing effect over hands and/or feet especially in rough areas.
Rinse with water, dry and apply lotion. Notice how fresh and soft the skin feels. You may want to do this once a week if your hands and feet are in need of tender care. Remember the saying, "A lady has soft hands".
To Consume..
Homemade Lemon Sugar
Great to use for teas or to sprinkle over cookies and use in baking instead of regular white sugar. Also try as toppings for fancy breads. Store the lemon sugar in an airtight container and refrigerate. This can be used for several months.
For Gifts place lemon sugar in decorative glass jars. Include a tag with ideas for use as well as the recipe itself if you like.
Recipe #1
3 Lemons
2 Cups Sugar
Remove the zest from the lemons using a citrus zester. Roughly chop lemon zest.
In a food processor, add 1 cup of the sugar and all the lemon zest. Pulse for a few minutes until the zest has been finely ground.
Add the rest of the sugar and toss until well mixed.
Spread the lemon sugar in a large pan and let sit until dry, approximately 1 hour.
Store in a sealed, airtight container and use as needed. Refrigerate until used.
Recipe #2
3 TBS sugar
3 TBS confectioners sugar
6 drops fresh lemon juice
Blend well and use. Can be stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate until used.
Recipe #3
2 1/2 TBS coarsely snipped lemon rind, pith removed (white part)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
In a blender add 1/2 cup of the sugar and all the lemon rind. Blend for a few seconds until the peel is finely blended.
Add the rest of the sugar and mix well.
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.
For Cleaning..
All Purpose Cleaner
2 tablespoons borax, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 cups hot water. Combine the borax and lemon juice with the water in a spray bottle. Use as you would any commercial all-purpose cleaner.
