Making "OMIYAGE"

Those are "Omiyage" I asked my friend to bring to friends in Tokyo.

"Omiyage" means "Souvenir" in Japanese.
One of my friends is leaving for Japan. When I know some of my friends go to Japan, I almost always ask them to bring some Omiyage to my friends in Japan. 
That means, they have to get together in Japan to receive Omiyage from me. 
At the same time they can exchange informations what is going on in Tokyo and in New York. 
I also think that is the way to keep in touch with friends in Japan, and make sure to keep connected between our friends in Japan and friends in New York.  When they get together, they may talk about me good and bad, but that is OK by me.
You may think that is an excuse for me to ask friends to give up some precious space in their luggage. That maybe true, but my friends don't seem to mind doing it for me.  For that I'm very grateful !

"Meyer Lemons"

They are so different from regular Lemon.

They have an almost flower-like fragrance and are less sour.
Skins are so much smoother, perfect for the "Candied Peel"

One of my friends in Tokyo is a big foodie. 
We always exchange informations about food.
What I found at Farmer's Market, and what I made with it ?  What kind of new dish I tasted at restaurants or I cooked for a dinner ?  What I found to add to my cupboard ?
Since I've got Meyer Lemons last week, I decided to make "Candied Meyer Lemon Peel". 
She loves them, I think she just finished last year's peel. She also says it is very difficult to find Meyer Lemon in Japan.  So this is a perfect Omiyage for her.
It is a 2 day cooking process. It is not too difficult, it just needs lots of care. 
I believe Candy-Making is always that way. Not that what I know about Candy-Making, I do not. 
This is the only Candy-Making I know and do a few times in year. 
Since it is a time consuming process to be finished, it makes sense to do a big quantity. So, I'm peeling all 15 lemons I've got. Some are for friends here as well as for myself.  Lets hope Peel will reach her without too much Breakage.
By the way, leftover cooked sugar-syrup and flesh of Lemons makes very refreshing "Meyer Lemonade".  
Leftover sugar from coating the peel I keep in an airtight container. When I make simple cooked Fruits such as Apples or Pears, I will use that instead of regular sugar. You will know how much difference this Meyer Lemon Essence makes when you taste cooked fruits....

 

Peeling Lemon's Zest carefully.

Try to peel them wide, so that during the cooking process they don't break.

After cooked in water twice, cutting Zest into 1/4 inch Ribbons.

Cooking with Suger and Light Corn Syrup.

This is the process you have to put lots of care.

Use Pastry Brush to clean the sides of the pot not to get crystalized sugar.

 Let stand over night. Reheat to bring to simmer, 
Cool down a bit then drain.

  Spread Peels on the bed of Sugar.

Make sure all peels are separated and coated with Sugar.

That is the other step needs a lots of care.

My favorite Cookie from "Trader Joe" and my "Candied Meyer-Lemon Peel"

These will make perfect companions for Black Tea.

You have to stored them in airtight container, they will stay fresh for several months. If they become too dry put a Lemon in the container for a day or two and peel will soften.
If you like to have "Lemon Tea" for an afternoon break you can put a few "Candied Peels" in your Tea cup. They will make instant Lemon-Tea with touch of sweetness.
Jonathan made me a label to put on the container. I love the look of it. Looks so professional. Maybe she thinks I bought them this time.  But yet, she knows us too well to think like that !

With my homemade "Candied Meyer-Lemon Peel" I can enjoy Tea more !