The new year is here, hooooraaah! January is that time of the year, where the cold weather enters your every being. Itchy dry skin, massive hunger pangs, the effort of wearing layers of clothes – January blues are officially here.
Now, here’s what’s essential this season: wrapping yourself in the warmth of a hug – and a blanket (in that order), kicking the cold into its righteous home – outside, and keeping your nutrition quotient high. The last one is taken care of by the humble orange.
Could there be another fruit that defines winter better than the luscious, sunshiny bright blob of citrus? An orange is a good snack by itself, of course, but it’s time to up your game!
Here are five orange-based desserts that you should make your best friends for the next three months:
Orange Pound Cake with Zest Glaze
A simple sponge cake that puts the ‘fan’ back in FANTASTIC. Mix together flour, eggs, fresh orange juice, zest and sugar and bake at 350 degrees till golden. Save some pulpy juice and heat it with some granulated sugar till syrupy, pour over the cake and bliss is yours in just a matter of minutes. So soft, yet oh so delicious! And trust us, it’s the easiest cake to make – EVER.
Recipe here.
Orange Ice Cream
If you’re the kind of person who’ll blanch at ice cream in winter, then it’s time to broaden your horizons, my friend. Even if not your regular ice cream, seasonal (fruit) ice creams are the best way to take advantage of the endless bounty of oranges this time o’ year!
Top these with some caramelised sliced oranges and you are golden. Picture yourself watching your favourite TV show, all curled up with a bowl of fresh ice cream, biscuits and a topping of orange sauce. Now tell us if you think of anything better?
Recipe here.
Chocolate and Orange Pie
Here’s the thing: I’m not a big fan of bland chocolate at all – but combine it with zesty tangy oranges, slam it in a large pie and serve it with a bowl of vanilla ice cream, and I am sold.
The oranges add a very distinct exotic flavour which packs quite a punch, and leaves a great aftertaste. Remember to de-seed the oranges though – you don’t want them getting stuck in your teeth!
Recipe here. (Fret not, it’s easier than it looks.)
Orange Cheesecake
One of my most favourite desserts in the world, the ever vibrant cheesecake will take on a tangy avatar this season! Since the oranges add the natural sourness to the mixture, you might want to consider balancing it out with either a strawberry compote or even a caramel sauce.
Bring a little French flair and showcase your skills! Bake it or just cool it – this sweet is just beautiful even in its simplest form.
Recipe here.
Cranberry and Orange Muffins
A great way to get your fibre content up, is to get a muffin into your system. The flavour soulmates just go with each other so well, that the end product is fluffy yummy goodness. And with bits of fresh fruit reaching your palate in every bite, it’s the best thing you’ll eat all day!
Just whip a batch today and say hello to sunshine.
Recipe here.
(A massive EDM junkie and a Jedi Padewan, Radhika believes in taking life by the fork and knife every day. She has been a media woman for the last 10 years with a huge passion for video technology. While working in content management is her day avatar, nothing gets her foodie side going like a good spicy misal pav!)
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