Recipe: Orange slices with citrus syrup

Dietitian's tip: Several orange flavors are combined here to add intensity and depth to fresh orange slices. If you prefer a nonalcoholic version, simply leave out the liqueur; the syrup will still taste rich and satisfying. Using calcium-fortified orange juice increases the calcium content of this dessert.

   

Ingredients

Directions

Working with 1 orange at a time, cut a thin slice off the top and the bottom, exposing the flesh. Stand the orange upright and, using a sharp knife, cut off the peel, following the contour of the fruit and removing all the white pith and membrane. Cut the orange crosswise into slices 1/2-inch thick. Transfer to a shallow nonaluminum bowl or dish. Repeat with the remaining oranges. Set aside.

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the julienne zest with water to cover. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute. Drain and immediately plunge the zest into a bowl of cold water. Set aside.

To make the syrup, combine the orange juice and honey in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the honey. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the mixture thickens to a light syrup, about 5 minutes. Drain the orange zest and add to the syrup. Cook until the zest is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.

Pour the orange syrup mixture over the oranges. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, or for up to 3 hours.

To serve, carefully divide the orange slices among individual plates. Pour the syrup and zest over the orange slices, dividing it evenly. Drizzle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the orange liqueur, if using. Garnish with the mint and serve immediately.

Nutritional Analysis

(per serving)

Calories	163	Cholesterol	0 mg
Protein	2 g	Sodium	1 mg
Carbohydrate	37 g	Fiber	3 g
Total fat	< 1 g	Potassium	417 mg
Saturated fat	0 g	Calcium	65 mg
Monounsaturated fat	0 g

MAYO CLINIC HEALTHY WEIGHT PYRAMID SERVINGS

Fruits

3

• Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid tool
• Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid: A sample menu

DIABETES MEAL PLAN EXCHANGES

Fruits

2 1/2

• Your diabetes diet: Exchange lists

DASH EATING PLAN SERVINGS

Fruits	1
Sweets	1

• DASH diet: Guide to recommended servings
• Sample menus for the DASH eating plan

RELATED

MayoClinic.com Bookstore

• 'The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook,' Concise Edition (Softcover)