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Spicy Blood Orange Mocktail
There’s festivity to be found in citrus indulgences when the days turn crisp and chilly. This spicy blood orange mocktail heats things up from the inside out with tart-sweet juice, honey jalapeño syrup, and a smoky chipotle salt rim. Maple and pumpkin are the comfort flavors of the moment, but blood orange reminds us of the bite to autumn days, particularly when paired with chile pepper heat. After the wind whips you about, come inside and tame the chill with this spicy drink. If you decide to make a pitcher instead, scale up the recipe below based on the number of guests, as each makes one drink. Ingredients 2 thinly…
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Chocolate Orange Mini Cheesecakes
With the holidays approaching, I start craving a touch of decadence with dessert. Candied citrus is where I turn for that luxe, almost stained glass finish on these mini cheesecakes. In a mixture of sugar and water, whole citrus slices become juicy, chewy candy that intensifies the flavor in each creamy, chocolate and orange bite. Ingredients Candied Orange Slices 1 unwaxed orange2 cups water1 cup sugar Mini Cheesecakes ⅔ cup fresh orange juice30 chocolate wafer cookies4 tablespoons unsalted butter8 oz. cream cheese (1 standard package)½ cup sour cream⅓ cup sugar2 eggs, slightly beaten½ teaspoon vanilla extractPinch salt12 cupcake liners Watching the orange slices transform is the most satisfying part of…
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Fruit-Studded Gingerbread Stars
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius The holiday season isn’t complete without a little gingerbread. This year I decided to liven up my version with the delicious candied oranges and lemons I have become quite addicted to this year. Throw some dried cherries into the cookie dough for another twist, and you have these fruit-studded gingerbread stars. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup unsalted butter ¾ cup dark brown sugar ⅓ cup molasses 1…
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Candied Orange Margarita
Candied fruit slices are delicious and luxe looking, which makes them perfect for the holidays. Glistening in the pan and sparkly under kitchen lights, they always remind me of ornaments. Enjoy them on their own or as an accompaniment to a slice of cake, but make sure to reserve the syrup left in the pan to make a candied orange margarita. Ingredients Candied Orange Slices 1 unwaxed orange 2 cups water 1 cup sugar Candied Orange Margarita 1 ounce reposado tequila ½ ounce Cointreau ½ ounce candied orange syrup Juice of 1 large lime Salt for rim optional Rows of candied fruit slices drying on racks are quite a sight.…
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Fresh Orange Home Spa Treatment
This week we are getting gritty. So grab your favorite sugar or salt scrub, a few fresh oranges, and maybe even your partner. Of all the seasons, summer is full of so many wonderful textures – sand on your feet, the slight grain of ocean water on your body, and the fluff of a beach towel afterward. Then there is the pleasure of returning home sun-tired, taking a hot shower, and wrapping yourself in a soft robe. While it isn’t always possible to hit the beach mid-week, you can give yourself a spa treatment at home that is reminiscent of the same textures. The best part is that it requires…
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