Lemon Confit

Instructions

1. Cut the lemons in half; squeeze the juice and reserve it for another use.
2. Put the squeezed lemon halves in a large saucepan and add the bay leaves, peppercorns, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the white wine, and salt. Add enough water to completely cover the lemons and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook gently over medium-low heat until the lemon peel is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool in the liquid.
3. Drain the lemons and tear the peel into rough strips about 1 inch wide. Place a strip of lemon peel skin side down on the work surface and, using a sharp paring knife, scrape away every bit of the white pith, leaving only the yellow zest. Repeat with the remaining peel.
4. Put the strips of lemon zest in a small container ond cover completely with olive oil. The confit will keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for at least a week.