Some of my earlier posts describe how to dry mandarin peels and various recipes for using them. Orange (and other citrus) peels are equally delicious, and good for your digestion and health. So in this post I provide a few different recipes for making the most of your orange peels. First of all, peel your oranges using a vegetable peeler so that you get a nice thin peel without the thick white pith. Dry the peels using a dehydrator or other method of choice - see earlier post for … [Read more...]
Homemade Grand Marnier Recipe
If you have enjoyed your own homemade Limoncello then why not try this homemade Grand Marnier recipe. Although it probably won't appease the purists, it does make a very acceptable orange liqueur that I'm sure you will enjoy - and it makes a great gift. It is really easy to make but it does have a long waiting time: 2 months minimum and it gets better with age so give it 6 months if you can bear to wait. You will need: 8-10 oranges (I used navel oranges from my garden) 1 cup sugar 1 … [Read more...]
Orange & Strawberry Jam with Vanilla & Mint Recipe
I am a fan of classic strawberry jam but I may never look back after enjoying the layers of flavours in this amazing Orange & Strawberry Jam with Vanilla & Mint. Orange really brings out the fruity flavours of the strawberries and then the vanilla and mint lift it to a whole new level. 1kg strawberries (I used frozen) 4 oranges 2 lemons 2 vanilla pods 1kg jam setting sugar A dozen or so mint leaves Hull the strawberries, cut them in halves or quarters, and put … [Read more...]
Orange Plum Jam Recipe
Whenever I have a bumper crop of plums, I freeze them for making jams and sauces later in the year. I decided to try some different recipes rather than just using my tried and tested ones. I know that citrus really brings out the flavour of berries so I thought "why not plums as well". 1 kg Plums, stones removed (I used frozen) Zest of 2 Oranges 1 kg Jam-setting Sugar 1 knob butter (10g) 50 ml Orange-flavoured liqueur (optional) Finely chop plums - use a food processor if you want. I … [Read more...]
Enjoying Oranges
In a previous post, I talked about growing more citrus in my garden and how pleased I was to have about 20 navel oranges and 20 satsuma mandarins on my trees this year. Oranges are wonderful fruit to have in the middle of winter when there isn't much else around, and they are full of vitamin C and other nutrients. They are great to enjoy whether you peel the skin off in a spiral, cut them into quarters or squeeze them for juice. I thought I'd share a few other ways to enjoy them … [Read more...]
Growing Citrus
Several of my friends have told me that they used to get an orange in their Christmas stocking because it was such a special treat. I don't think many kids would be happy with that these days! Although perhaps not considered quite so special any more, citrus fruits are fantastic to have in the garden to brighten up the winter. Citrus blossom has a delicious scent in spring and is good for attracting bees and other pollinators. Citrus are such a fabulous source of vitamin C and other nutrients … [Read more...]