The Gifts of Citrus: Holiday Must-Makes! :)

Why go citrus?

they boost our immune system – according to a ‘comprehensive study’ by the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, a daily intake of 400 milligrams of vitamin C is recommended
helps boost our “good” HDL cholesterol and lowers the “bad”
limonoids, an antioxidant found in most citrus may help ‘guard against stomach, lung, breast and skin cancer
adds a ‘little sunshine to every meal’

Mulled Wine by Kathy Megyeri

1 orange, sliced and seeded

1 cup cranberries

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups water

1 teaspoon ground cloves

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 bottle robust red wine

splash of brandy (optional)

rosemary for garnish

combine orange, cranberries, sugar, water, cloves and cinnamon in a large stainless steel or enameled pot (not aluminum).
slowly bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
reduce heat, add wine (and optional brandy) and slowly reheat (do not boil out the alcohol).
serve warm in glass mugs (optional) with rosemary as garnish

*Putting this in a slow cooker on low will help make the house smell great! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.f+xdevv help keep themselves warm during the cold winter months. As they conquered Europe throughout the next century, mulled wine grew in popularity and ‘spread across the regions’.

This drink is definitely one to consider making for various occasions, whether they be with a group or solo…both work and would be fabulous! 🙂

Moroccan Spiced Orange Slices with Orange Blossom Water

5 medium to large navel or large blood oranges

3 tablespoons orange blossom water

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons honey or date sugar

pomegranate, seeded

1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped unsalted pistachios

8 to 10 mint leaves, chopped or torn, for garnish

Slice each orange across the core into 1/4-inch slices, six per orange, reserving any juice that runs.

Spread the orange slices around, overlapping them, forming a circle and filling in “the hole” with three overlapped slices.

Drizzle the orange blossom water and any reserved orange juice over the fruit. Evenly sprinkle on cinnamon using a fine sieve and a ‘generous drizzle’ of honey.

Let the oranges chill for at least for one hour.

When ready, sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds, pistachios and mint.

Yields: 4 to 5 servings

Sounds yum!

And, then, there’s this one…

Meyer Lemon Chia Seed Bowl with Tangerines

1/4 heaping cup chia seeds

1 1/2 cups dairy or non-dairy milk

2 tablespoons maple syrup, or to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice (or other citrus juice)

pinch of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest