Stranger Things Creature in My Kitchen!!

I will NOT be feeding this thing after dark, that's for sure! Though it looks like a lemon crossed with a Crown of Thorns starfish, the Buddha's hand is actually a unique citrus fruit. It smells of sweet lemon blossom and has no juice or pulp. The pith is mild, not bitter, so the fruit can be zested or used whole. A serving size is 1 tbsp, and it has almost no dietary value, just a tiny bit of fiber and calcium... but it is fun to look at and smells wonderful!

Now, what to do with it? (if it doesn't try to drag me to the under-verse in the middle of the night!)

1. Candy: paleo candied citrus peel, which you can eat by itself or use in baked goods. Cut it in strips or cubes, and I love this recipe from A Clean Bake.

2. Booze: The complex aroma of a Buddha's hand is fantastic for making infused vodka, limoncello (Buddhacello!), or flavored simple syrup for cocktails.

3. Raw: Shave thin slices of Buddha's hand and add it to a salad or use it to top grilled fish.

4. Scented Sugar or Salt: Use Buddha's hand zest or even a whole finger to make scented sugar and flavored salt. With the holidays just around the corner these would make lovely gifts.

5. For salad dressing, I love White On Rice Couple's recipe for Buddhas Hand Vinaigrette

Any way you choose, your Buddha's Hand is going to be an awesome conversation starter! Enjoy!

- Berly Wedding, Finder of Cool Things