Winter brings a new spectrum of fresh colors to the produce section at your local grocer — the yellows, oranges, and pinks found in citrus are a ray of sunshine during shorter, darker days. Three local experts offer up a plethora of ways to enjoy their tangy sweetness other than the most common ways: in juice or in the raw. ~ Ally Gravina/Moonshine Ink
Citrus Turkey Brine
~ Courtesy Truckee Tavern and Grill
INGREDIENTS
2 gallons of water
4 cups salt
2 cups sugar
12 oranges
8 lemons
4 Tbsp black peppercorn
4 Tbsp juniper berries
4 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
2 bunches of thyme
2 bunches of sage
INSTRUCTIONS
Squeeze all juice from the lemons and oranges and put aside. Combine all other ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid. Add 2 gallons of ice to the hot liquid. Once the brine has cooled add citrus juice. Add 12- to 16-pound turkey and let sit over night.
Mandarin Jam
~ Courtesy Carol Daniels, winner of the 2016 Mountain Mandarin Festival’s recipe contest
INGREDIENTS
2 cups of mandarin juice and zest of 4
¼ tsp of cinnamon
¼ tsp of nutmeg
½ to 1 cup sugar (the sweetness depends on the mandarins)
1 can of chopped canned mandarins (11 oz)
1 package fruit pectin
1 Tbsp butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring juice, zest, spices, and sugar to a boil, then add butter and skim the surface. Add the pectin and bring back to a boil for one minute. Let cool and refrigerate.
Pumpkin Marmalade Bread
~ Courtesy Tahoe House Bakery
INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
8 oz canned pumpkin puree
1 stick butter, melted
1/3 cup Tahoe House
Mandarin Marmalade
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 ¾ cup pastry flour
½ cup and 2 Tbsp brown sugar
½ cup and 2 Tbsp
granulated sugar
2 tsp pumpkin spice
¼ tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
¾ cup cranberries
powdered sugar for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix eggs, pumpkin, marmalade, and juice. Add remaining dry ingredients except for cranberries. Mix one minute or until batter is smooth. Add cranberries until distributed in batter. Pour batter into two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until baked through, approximately 35 minutes. Cool before removing loaves from pans. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
