"Blood Orange" Chocolate Cake

This recipe creates fireworks. Literally, the intense color of this fabulous fruit gives any recipe a "splash" of vibrant fushia and unique flavor. Make sure to wear an apron for this one folks. Start by baking any type of chocolate cake in a bundt style pan and set aside. The "Blood Orange" Sauce will take the cake so no frosting necessary.



Blood Orange Simple Syrup Sauce

1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Water
Juice of 2 Blood Oranges

Combine all ingredients together in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stirring occasionally boil down to sauce reaches a thicker consistency. Then drizzle over a slice of chocolate cake. Can be stored in refrigerator if using at a later time.



A little background:

How They Get Their Color
Blood oranges contain a pigment called anthocyanin which is not typically found in citrus but rather more common in other red fruits and flowers. Not only is the inside of the orange darkly pigmented but depending on the variety the outside may also have dark washes of red.

Uses
Blood oranges are great for juicing and using as you would common orange juice. The dark red color of the juice makes it a good cocktail ingredient. Use fresh blood orange segments in salads, sauces, sorbets, granitas and compotes. Spanish blood oranges are used in special English marmalades.

Where To Buy
Check your local grocery store or farmer's market for fresh fruits from December through May. Texas Crop - December to March and California Crop - November to May.

P.S. Many "thank-you's" to my dear mom for introducing me to this fabulous fruit. I am reminded of you everytime

Another way to use this fruit is the:

Blood Orange Margarita
.
i n g r e d i e n t s
1 cup fresh-squeezed blood orange juice
3 tablespoon granulated sugar
8 ounces premium tequila
7 ounces triple sec
1 Blood orange, sliced for garnish.

h o w t o m i x
Make a blood orange simple syrup by combining the sugar and blood orange juice in a small sauce pan; simmer over low heat until thick and syrupy. Allow to cool.

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. To prepare a drink, pour 6 ounces into a shaker filled with ice. Pour into margarita glass, garnish with a blood orange slice.

Serving glass: Margarita glass