Orange you glad I asked?
I have a bit of a problem. (No, not that one…..no, not that one either…….c’mon now…….) I have shelves full of empty mason jars that have done nothing but gathered dust since we went through our tomatoes and pickles like Sherman went through Atlanta. But hope could be on the way. Pan, my folks, and I are headed to Florida for a long weekend in late April where it seems oranges are darn near ready for mass consumption. So, of course we will be buying a crate or two for a number of uses. One of them, I hope, is either for marmalade or preserves or something similar. When I made the suggestion Pan kind of turned her nose up and I was left wondering if my thoughts of citrus colored cans was little more than a rotten idea.
So, I ask. What do you think I should do with a minimum of one crate of fresh, Florida oranges?
March 29th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Throw out the Florida oranges, come to Phoenix, pick some out here and taste the difference. Drop. Dead. Delicious. Just sayin.
March 30th, 2010 at 6:43 am
@betsy – During the WAVE we stayed in Surprise, Arizona and I remember vividly how cool it was to have a citrus tree in the front yard. Many days we would walk down the street and grab some of the most amazing oranges from limbs just draping over the sidewalk. I may have to take you up on that should Pan and I take to the road again!
March 31st, 2010 at 7:39 am
Man that’s a TON of food prep you can do for next winter. Save some for later in the year to make jams, pickled whatever, etc. I can give you tons of Habaneros come August if you like Habanero Jelly.
March 31st, 2010 at 8:03 am
Well, with summer coming, I’d prepare to make my favorite drink all summer long…
Take a few of those beautiful oranges, slice them, layer the stacks of slices between wax paper…freeze them…THEN, when you’re ready to party, get a jug of Southern Comfort, a liter of club soda, fresh squeezed orange juice (2-4 cups, depending on your taste), and some fresh lemon juice (3-5 lemons), mix it all together and serve over ice…I am telling you what. DELICIOUS. Have a PARTY! and I’m telling you–everyone will love this drink. We served this at our wedding and it was a HUGE hit.
March 31st, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Here ya go Drew…
5 things to do with oranges:
1- Dried orange and lemon peels are a far superior choice for use as kindling than newspaper. Not only do they smell better and produce less creosote than newspaper, but the flammable oils found inside the peels enable them to burn much longer than paper.
2- Make a Pomander
Pomanders have been used for centuries to fill small spaces with a delightful fragrance as well as to combat moths. They are also incredibly easy to make. Take a bunch of cloves and stick them into an orange, covering the whole surface. Now suspend your pomander using a piece of string, wool or monofilament fishing line inside a wardrobe or cupboard, and it will keep the space smelling fresh for years.
3-Simmer for Stovetop Potpourri
Fill your abode with a refreshing citrus scent by simmering several orange and/or lemon peels in 1–2 cups of water in an aluminum saucepan for a few hours. Add water as needed during the simmering. This process freshens up the pot as well as the air in your home.
4-Keep Cats Off Your Lawn
Are the neighbour’s cats still mistaking your lawn for their litter tray? Gently point them elsewhere by making a mixture of orange peels and coffee grounds and distributing it around the cats’ ‘old haunts.’ If they don’t take the hint, lay down a second batch and try moistening it with a bit of water.
5-Show Ants the Door
Get rid of the ants in your garden, on your patio and along the foundations of your home. In a blender, make a smooth puree of a few orange peels in 1 cup of warm water. Slowly pour the solution over and into anthills to send the little pests packing. Repeat the process if they return.
(Taken from Reader’s Digest online archives)
March 31st, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I have some bad experiences that started with SoCo. Can I substitute something else?
March 31st, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Kindling? Really Time? That sounds cool. I have never so much as heard of that. Odd.
April 1st, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I mean, I love marmalade…so you could make me a couple of jars and I wouldn’t complain. I’m just sayin’.