The Meyer Lemon

I have been struck by my new love affair of the Meyer lemon! It is so beautiful and sweet and will brighten you up on a cold January day. This little lemon is such a mood elevator that I just had to share it with everyone! 

After the holiday excitement and we settle into the cold winter months, looking forward to Spring, kids can become a bit moody. Their ability to play at the park, ride their bikes and do most out door activities become just a bit squalled. We as parents have to look for activities to keep them occupied, but do we ever stop and think about what foods may actually brighten their mood? 

Citrus has been known to give off a wonderful smell that can actually brighten one's mood. The vitamin-c is great to keep a cold at bay and the oils from the rind can clean one's kitchen better than any nasty bleach could. Yup, citrus is pretty amazing. 

However, the Meyer lemon is truly something to behold. It's color is a bit brighter than a regular lemon, the fruit is a bit sweeter and the smell is more subtle. Take just one look at this little guy and you are instantly transformed. You can't help but smile when you hold the Meyer lemon. 

I had to do my weekly grocery shopping last night and had no plans on buying lemons. As soon as I walked into the store, there was a big display of Meyers. My eye was instantly drawn. They looked so beautiful and compared to the regular lemons sitting next to them, they were even more striking. 

As soon as I got home, I just had to cook with them. So what to cook? Here is the recipe I came up with last night.

Cheers !

Meyer Lemon and Artichoke Pesto with Sauteed Asparagus: 

• Two Meyer lemons
• One bunch of asparagus
• One can of artichoke hearts
• Two tablespoons of butter 
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts
• Two tablespoons of olive oil 
• Salt and pepper to taste

Wash and cut the ends off your asparagus, then place in saute pan with butter. Cook till tender. Then chop your artichoke hearts into small pieces and place in processor. Add your pine nuts and squeeze lemons into the artichoke blend. Start to process, while drizzling your olive oil into the processor. This will emulsify your pesto and make it nice and creamy, adding your salt and pepper at the end. 

Place your asparagus on a beautiful serving tray and then drizzle the Meyer lemon pesto onto your dish. Serves six as a side dish or four as a main dish. Enjoy!