Tag Archives: orange

Sangria Bonita

Sangria is one of my favorite cocktails because it’s not limited to any particular season and can be enjoyed year-round. Red wine sangria with stone fruit or apples is great for fall and winter while white wine sangria with citrus or berries is great for spring and summer.

This Sangria Bonita is a light, fresh white wine sangria that, instead of being weighed down by fruit juice, is lightened up with a little bit of orange liqueur and sparkling water. A pretty tossing in of colorful limes, lemons, oranges, and raspberries make this a picture perfect cocktail. I used Pinot Grigio but if you prefer a drier wine, consider Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Also, use any of your favorite spring or summer fruits here. That’s the great thing about Sangria – you can throw in any wine, juice or fruit you want. Bonita, indeed!

The ingredients:

Pour 1 bottle dry white wine into a pitcher and add in ½ cup orange liqueur, and 3 tablespoons sugar, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Add in half a bottle of sparkling water.

Add slices of your favorite fruit. I used a mineola orange, lime, lemon, and a handful of fresh raspberries. Chill up to 1 hour before serving and garnish each serving with fresh mint if you like.

Additions:

Lemon slices

Omissions:

Mint

Substitutions:

Raspberries for strawberries

Overall Rating: Love It

Source: Coastal Living Magazine

Moroccan-Spiced Oranges

I tend to eat fruit salads faster than I can gobble up whole fruit so when I had a bundle of oranges left in my fridge, I found this recipe for Moroccan-Spiced Oranges. Now, I’ll be honest, the “Moroccan-spiced” is nothing more than cinnamon. Cinnamon with oranges? Yep. Typically, you only think of cinnamon pairing well with apples but I’m here to tell you that cinnamon with oranges is pleasantly surprising. I don’t know what it is but something about the warmth of the cinnamon contrasting against the citrus of the oranges really tastes refreshing. Crunchy sliced almonds and silky chopped dates round out this salad which would be great as a dessert if you are trying to keep things light. Even if you aren’t sure about this recipe, grab the cinnamon next time you peel an orange. You just might like it.

The ingredients:

Combine orange wedges, slivered almonds, dates, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix well.

Chill for 20 minutes. Serve alone or with yogurt or ice cream.

Additions: None

Omissions: None

Substitutions: None

Overall Rating: Like It

Source: Cooking Light Magazine

Blood Orange Martini

It’s been about a month now that I’ve been walking into my local produce market asking, “Do you have blood oranges yet?” The answer every week has been no. So, when I was perusing the little market under my building at work and saw them, my heart skipped a beat a little.

I don’t know what my fascination is with these vibrant citrus fruits but I can’t get enough of them. Maybe it’s the mystery of their crimson color that appeals to me, I don’t know. (It’s not really a mystery, they have anthocyanins, pigments also found in red grapes, blackberries, blueberries, and eggplant but not in ordinary oranges.) A lot of people have never tried blood oranges so if you are one of those people, I urge you to pick up a few. They are sweet like the everyday orange but a bit more tart. Each batch tastes slightly different to me and sometimes they have the subtle hint of anise or liquorice.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on blood oranges this winter which gives me the chance to make this bright red cocktail, Blood Orange Martini. It’s simple: blood orange juice, vodka, and orange liqueur. Yum, yum, yum! My dinner on this Friday the 13th just might be a blood orange salad and this martini. How appropriate!