Citrus Peppercorn Mix Recipes

HOMEMADE LEMON-PEPPER SEASONING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Wash and dry the lemons. Peel away the zest from both lemons using a vegetable peeler, making sure not to get any of the pith. Spread out peels in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the peels have curled up and dried, about 30 minutes. Turn off oven and allow lemon peels to cool inside turned off oven, propping the door open with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape, about 20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
• Combine dried lemon peels and peppercorns in a food processor fitted with a blade. Blend until coarse. Add dehydrated garlic and onion. Blend until fine and thoroughly combined.
• Remove and allow to rest for a few hours before using so flavors can meld.

LEMON-PEPPER FRIES

Steps:

• Peel and rinse the potatoes. Slice them lengthwise into thin slices, and then into thin sticks. Place the potato sticks in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Swish them around, then pour off the water and replace it with fresh water. Swish them around again and pour off the water, then cover with fresh water and let soak for 2 to 3 hours.
• Make the seasoning: Mix the pepper, lemon zest, salt, garlic powder, mustard powder and onion powder in a large bowl and set aside.
• When you're ready to make the fries, heat about 3 inches of oil in a heavy pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 300 degrees F.
• Drain the potatoes and lay them out on baking sheets lined with paper towels. Blot them with more paper towels to dry. Carefully drop half of the fries into the oil and cook until they start to soften, 2 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on fresh paper towels. Repeat with the remaining fries.
• Increase the oil temperature to 400 degrees F. Fry the potatoes in two batches again until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 5 minutes, returning the oil to 400 degrees F between batches. Remove the fries from the oil, add to the bowl with the seasoning and toss to coat. When all the fries are cooked, toss with the parsley.

FOUR PEPPERCORN MIX

Steps:

• 1. Place green, black, and white peppercorns in small skillet, and heat over medium heat. Toast 2 minutes, shaking pan frequently. Add pink peppercorns, and toast 2 minutes more, shaking pan constantly. Transfer to bowl, and cool completely. 2. Place mixture in pepper mill, and store in cool, dry cabinet until ready to use.

CITRUS AND PEPPERCORN DRY BRINE

Steps:

• Toast black, pink, and white peppercorns and bay leaves in a skillet until fragrant. Let cool, then crush in a bag using a rolling pin or heavy skillet. Mix with salt, sugar, lemon zest, and orange zest. Apply to turkey and after curing, rinse off and pat dry before roasting.
• DO AHEAD: Dry brine can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.

PEPPERCORN MIX

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
• Divide into 4 glass jars.
• Seal and label jars.
• Note: I found the green and pink peppercorns at my local health food store in bulk.

HOMEMADE LEMON PEPPER SEASONING

Steps:

• Preheat toaster oven to lowest setting.
• In a large bowl, combine lemon zest and black pepper. Cover metal pan fitted for toaster oven with foil and spread mixture evenly in pan. Allow to bake low and slow until zest is completely dried. Mine took about 26-30 minutes.
• Transfer lemon-pepper mixture to a bowl. Using the back of a spoon (or spice grinder if you have one), crush mixture until desired texture is achieved. Mix in salt, 1 tsp at a time. Continue to add salt until you have the right balance to fit your taste.
• Notes.
• Depending on size of lemons, you may need more lemons.
• If you want more of a lemon taste, reduce pepper or add more lemon zest.
• Seasoning may be kept in an air tight container for a few months.