Secret Ingredient

Need a seasonal dinner idea? This is juicy…

citrus fruits

Ah, the winter blues. Have they set in yet? With fewer hours of daylight, and cold weather keeping us indoors, it’s easy to feel tired, depleted and basically “blah”. When my energy levels are low, I look to my fridge for a boost. And this time of year, Mother Nature is providing us with an abundance of citrus fruits to brighten the day.

Citrus fruits in winter?

It may come as a surprise that these sunny fruits are available during the darkest time of year, but they’re actually seasonal right now! Since citrus is known for its detoxifying and immune-boosting effects, incorporating it into your meals and snacks can help lift your mood and fight germs.

To use these juicy citrus fruits in cooking, it’s important to understand their characteristics. Oranges are sweet, lemons are sour and grapefruit can be sweet, tart and even pungent. Have a taste and see for yourself. Then, play with these base notes to balance salty dishes, slow-cooked meats and bitter veggies (like dandelion greens).

Orange Brandy Chicken: one of my favorite recipes!

Citrus fruits and their combinations can also make healthy, fresh salad dressings and sauces. In fact, one of my go-to recipes is this Orange Brandy Chicken from Fine Cooking Magazine. I’ve been making it for years and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Since brandy is distilled from fruit, it combines perfectly with the orange juice to yield a rich and zesty sauce. Cut the chicken into thin slices and drizzle the sauce over the top.

Chef Chris’s serving and reheating notes:

  • If you’re serving this dish family style, garnish the platter with orange rinds and an extra dash of fresh parsley.
  • Enjoy with a side of brown rice and/or a light salad.
  • Pair with a medium-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or French Burgundy.
  • Reheat leftovers at 375° for 15 minutes.

Stop bookmarking. Start tasting.

Do you bookmark delicious recipes, but rarely have time to prepare them? We invite you to enjoy healthy, seasonal meals with ease. Call or email us to learn more about Secret Ingredient Personal Chef services, and get ready to dig in!