Nothing is better than citrus to wake up a damp, dreary day. The vitamin and fiber-rich orange injects a bright note of color and flavor to winter dishes, whether it’s a zippy citrus salsa over chicken cutlets or fish fillets, a sweet-tart glazed cake, or a knockout custard-and-fruit tart.
When choosing oranges, go for ones that are firm to the touch, that smell sweet, and have no discoloration. There are dozens of varieties to choose from (they are the most grown fruit tree in the world, after all), but they are divided into two categories: sweet and bitter. Brazil grows the most, followed by China and India, so don’t be disappointed if your oranges are not native Florida grown. Store them for up to a month in a cool, dry spot.
Whichever oranges you choose, make sure to experiment with both the types of recipes, sweet and savory, and juice a little extra for a healthy shot.
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RecipeSear-Roasted Halibut with Blood-Orange Salsa
The sear-roasting method forms a gorgeous crust on the halibut while keeping the inside moist. The fish's mild flavor is the perfect vehicle for the blood orange salsa that's bursting with sweet, citrusy flavor.Â
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RecipeOrange-Almond Upside Down Cake
Almond and orange is a classic flavor combination that never gets old. Here, ground almonds and orange zest are incorporated into the cake batter, while sliced almonds add a toasty crunch to the sliced orange topping. -
RecipeSeared Scallops with Blood Orange Shallot Sauce
Though worthy of company, this dish is made with just a few ingredients. Blood orange juice gives the sauce a lovely color, but you could substitute any kind of orange juice as long as it’s freshly squeezed. Serve the scallops over wilted greens or with some herbed couscous. -
RecipeOrange and Brown Butter Tart
The nutty brown butter in this tart’s custard filling makes a rich counterpoint to the tangy oranges topping it. A mix of blood and navel oranges is gorgeous, but you can use any oranges that are available. -
RecipeFennel, Orange, and Olive Salad
This popular Sicilian salad is made with blood oranges when they are in season, but navel oranges work just as well. I like to bring the salad to the table with the layers intact and toss it at the table. -
RecipePan-Roasted Chicken Breasts with Orange-Brandy Sauce
A quick soak in an orange juice brine infuses the chicken with lots of flavor. You’ll need a total of about 9 medium oranges for this recipe. -
RecipeOrange and Brown Sugar-Glazed Cake with Orange-Flecked Whipped Cream
Surprisingly light and airy, the cake on its own would make a delightful snack or breakfast treat. Brush on the glaze and pile on the whipped cream, though, and you have an impressive dessert. -
RecipeFresh Oranges with Caramel and Ginger
If you serve this pretty dessert soon after assembling it, you’ll get bits of crunchy caramel with the orange slices. If you let it sit for a couple of hours, the caramel will dissolve and blend with the orange juices to make a toasty syrup. Both ways are very appealing. -
RecipeOrange, Olive, and Onion Focaccia
Sweet, tangy, and salty, this focaccia is hard to stop eating. Depending on the size of your oranges, you may not use all of them. And though it may look like a lot of onion, don’t worry: It shrinks and mellows when baked. -
RecipeBreaded Chicken Cutlets with Orange Salsa
Few can resist a crisp fried cutlet. Here, both the meat and the breading are infused with the delicate flavors of orange and thyme. The fruity, colorful salsa complements the rich crust. If you prefer, you can substitute veal or pork cutlets for the chicken. -
RecipeOrange, Pear, and Date Salad
Though the jewel-like tones of orange slices scream for attention, the charm of this refreshing salad is its balanced, simple, almost subdued flavors, which beguile with every bite.
