It’s no secret in my family how much I love fruit. I am particularly crazy about oranges, and I absolutely adore clementines – which are available only at Christmas.
I am like a kid at a candy store when I see those small wooden boxes at the grocery store, filled with those delectable orange globes of sweetness. Yum! Yum! So, its not surprising to know my mom bought me a box, as well as, my sister. What I love almost as much as the taste is that they are sooo easy to peel. I can peel one in about 10 seconds flat with my eyes closed. (Ok, I’ve had a little practice!) As you can see – my fruit ball runneth over right now. (and this is after a few days of gorging on clementines!) 🙂
I was curious to know more about clementines and why they are only available at Christmas, and more so – why these little nibblers are so pricey! I paid close to $8 bucks for the box. I was surprised to know that these variations are grown in Morocco, Spain and North Africa. This is the time of the year when they are ready for harvesting. Clementines are a cross between a sweet orange and a Chinese mandarin. They were introduced to the United States in 1982, and as their popularity grew, so did their price. I know many people who have never tasted one of these delicacies because they think they are just an orange. Oh my! Never tasted a clementine?
Cole’s birthday is December 30th. My baby boy turns three!!! I am having a birthday party dinner for family and friends. I am fixing a huge stuffed roast pork. One of the sides I will be making is not only easy, but everyone seems to enjoy it. I will also get to use some of my clementines.
Here is the recipe:
Broccoli Orange Salad
4 cups broccoli florets, raw
1 small purple onion, chopped
1/2 cups raisins or craisins
(I like craisins this time of year for the color!)
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
*note: I like to mildly toast mine. First I saute the pecans in a little butter and a smidgen of cinnamon and salt. Then, I pop them on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
3/4 mayo (I like good ole’ Dukes!) 😉
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 Tbs champagne vinegar (you can sub white vinegar)
1 1/2 Tbs champagne vinegar (you can sub white vinegar)
11 ounces of orange slices (you can use mandarin oranges)
1 tsp fresh or dried parsley
pinch of salt to taste
Combine broccoli, raisins/craisins, onion and pecans – set aside. In separate bowl, mix mayo, sugar, parsley and vinegar. Fold mayo mixture into the broccoli mix. Blend well to coat all the pieces. Gently fold in oranges. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Chill at least 3 hours. I like to save a few onion rings for the center, and fill in with florets and an orange slice, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
I serve this on a large white platter which has been covered with kale leaves.
I promise to post pics when I make this.
Until then, I think I will just simply peel one (or two) of these sweet treats from Mother Earth and sit with my grandbaby and have a snack. I have discovered he is quite partial to them, too. 🙂
Sweet Blessings, Barb
marty39 says
OOOHHH, that sounds really good. I’m beginning to collect quite a few new recipes. Maybe I’ll make this wonderful salad for Christmas day. You are the best! Hugs, Marty
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Yummy!
View CommentI’ll have to look for them! 😉
Janice says
Hi Barb….
Well… I an not a fruit lover….BUT – I’d have to say that Clementines are one of my favorite foods of ALL !!!
I’m just like you – I am thrilled to see those wooden boxes in the market at this time of year….
But yikes – we’re paying about $4.99 or $5.99 a box….
I googled Clementines last year trying to find out why we can’t get them year round….. It’s the one thing that’s good for me that I truly love….
hugs – janice
View CommentLdyDy Loves Cake says
Okay. My mouth is watering! I will seek them out next time I am at the market. Also, that salad sounds yummy! Thanks for the recipe. I shall try it soon!
View Commentsantamaker says
Hi and thanks for visiting! Wow we have very similar taste! My dining room is painted the same color as your living room and I have used the fabric that your pillows are made from for window treatments and to upholster a couple of chairs! I love it, it’s the rooster fabric. I enjoyed all of your holiday florals as well!
View CommentLynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says
Yummy!! Your menu sounds delicious for Cole’s birthday party. He is one lucky little boy. Our grandson is here for the next couple of weeks. Our hearts are so full of love for this little guy. He’s now 8 and spends most every weekend with us. I know you’ve started your baking and your kitchen must smell heavenly..
View Commenthugs ~lynne~
Gollum says
The salad sounds tasty. I’ll see if Publix can order clementines.
View Commentlvroftiques says
Hi Barb!! I will definitely try your salad. I love clementines too! Hope all is well with you my friend! And I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Vanna
View CommentKathysue says
Oh Barb this is too funny. I just bought a box today and I ate 3 in a row.They are wonderful.I am going to try the salad it sounds yummy.I had the soup tonight and it is delish!keep the ideas coming you will make me into a domestic goddess, yet!!kathysue
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