.jpg?resize=720%2C405)
We’ve teamed up with Countdown to bring you some great ideas about how you can add a burst of citrus to your next sweet occasion.
How to bake with oranges
You can’t think about baking with oranges without mentioning the ultimate Kiwi flavour combo – chocolate and orange. Indulge your sweet tooth by trying these irresistible ideas:
This loaf is spiked with orange and studded with dark chocolate chunks. Serve with a hot cuppa or enjoy a slice for morning tea as a sweet treat.
If you’re craving something smooth, silky and decadent, try this chocolate and orange ricotta cake. Serve topped with plenty of fresh orange slices and enjoy.
Give your shortbread biscuits a twist by adding orange zest and dipping in dark chocolate. The best part? These bikkies are gluten-free so they’re perfect for sharing.
Want to get creative with orange?
Try pairing its sweet notes with the subtle, warming flavour of spices like ginger and cardamom.
These crumble top ginger oranges are a gorgeous dessert on crisp spring evenings, while these moist orange and poppy seed cakes are drizzled with a cardamom spiked syrup that adds a whole new level of flavour.
Think you’re too busy for dessert?
We’ve got you covered. This decadent orange and raspberry self-saucing pud doesn’t require any pots or pans and can be whipped up in the microwave – making it perfect for dessert lovers with no time to waste!
Tip:
If you want an intense burst of citrus flavour in a snap, try adding marmalade to puddings and cakes.
These orange and poppy seed cakes are drizzled with a cardamom spiked syrup.
How to bake with lemons
Squeezed into a drink, stirred into a marinade or starring in a dressing, the bright, familiar taste of lemon is a favourite in the kitchen. Lemon lovers know its tart, lip-puckering flavour takes on a whole new sunny profile in sweet dishes like classic lemon delicious pudding and lemon drizzle cake.
Want to make your next bag of lemons really pop?
Try mixing up the classics. Give lemon slice a savoury twist with earthy, fragrant rosemary or give silky lemon tart a delicate taste of the tropics by adding fine threads of shredded coconut.
Love lemon curd?
It’s easier than you think to make this lush spread from scratch with this cheat’s recipe. Whip up a batch and use in slices, lemon meringue pies, tarts and spread on toast or scones.
The easiest ever lemon tart
Even baking novices will find this recipe easy peasy. All you need is five ingredients to create these lemon custard tarts. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream but beware – they’ll disappear quickly!
Try adding a savoury twist to lemon slice with rosemary.
How to bake with mandarins
Oranges and lemons are commonplace in baking, but don’t forget about the other citrus star – mandarins.
You’ll find these juicy little fruits tucked in lunchboxes and handed out for after school snacks thanks to their easy peel skins, but they are also a great way to add a sweet edge to cakes, biscuits and puddings.
Flavour match:
Just like oranges, mandarins pair wonderfully with chocolate. Try these moreish little mandarin and milk chocolate cookies, or impress dinner guests with this chocolate mandarin crumble tart.
Make mandarin magic
Celebrate mandarin in its own right with this moist loaf cake drizzled in sweet mandarin syrup.
Something to share…
If you’re keen to share this season’s citrus spoils, try whipping up a batch of mandarin shortbread. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these delicious little shortbread sticks are sure to go down a treat.
Tip:
Try zesting citrus fruit and store zest wrapped in tin foil in the freezer for sweet and savoury dishes.
Let the bright flavours of mandarin shine with this loaf cake.
For more delicious recipes, tips and cooking inspiration, head to countdown.co.nz
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
