Oranges in Brandy

[skegblade]

Just found this recipe in Move To The Country magazine (I won a years free subscription to it).

12 small oranges
350g/12oz sugar
300ml/1/2 pint water
300ml/11fl.oz brandy
2 1 litre preserving jars

Remove the zest from the oranges with a grater then simmer it in water for 30 seconds, drain and reserve. Peel the oranges deeply so that the globes are slightly smaller. You should be able to see sacs of juice inside each segment. Heat the sugar and water in a pan until all the sugar dissolves. Simmer the oranges in the syrup for about two minutes before removing. Boil the syrup for a further five minutes before taking it off the heat and allowing it to cool. Pack the oranges into jars and sprinkle a little of the zest on top. Add brandy to the syrup then completely cover the oranges in the liquid. After sealing the jars, leave them to mature for a minimum of 2 months.

Looking forward to trying this one out. Getting the brandy tomorrow. Hic!

[Waffler]

Mmm! that sounds nice. I'm not a big brandy fan though, but I guess the orange taste might over-power it. Do you think any other alcohol would work in its place? Otherwise I guess I could buy a bottle and use the rest for the Christmas cake.

[dexterdoglancashire]

That sounds lovely SB! and a good idea to make for christmas pressies as well. DDL

[Earthbabe]

Yum, fruit packed in brandy tastes delish. Both flavours alter beautifully subtley. Will bear this in mind.

[skegblade]

Good idea DDL. I never thought of that If I can find some fitting jars I may do that.

[Earthbabe]

Waffler you could always add some orange liqueur in place of some of the brandy to heighten the orange taste. We do something similar with raisins and whatever we can get. Oranges and rum can be a good combination. Adding raisins adds extra sweetness and richness to things like this. Most spirits will work - Rumtopf is a good example. Vodka works well with a lot of things but brandy is warmer.

[shirley]

Good idea to use different liqueur earthbabe. I think I might go for the orange liqueur. I might play around with different fruit. Peaches or apricots would be good. Serve with home made ice cream Yum

[Earthbabe]

I'm drooling already and it's not even lunch time. My only problem is making sure the brandy or whatever goes in with the fruit and not into Mr E's tum! I may try it out myself but need to sort out the giant pumpkin first.

[Waffler]

Ooh! Orange and rum EB - fantastic! OH will be pleased too as he loves a drop (or several) or the golden stuff!

[Earthbabe]

Please let it never be said that I indulge too much. I don't think that is possible for those rapidly approaching 40.

[pickledtink]

Mmm! that sounds nice. I'm not a big brandy fan though, but I guess the orange taste might over-power it. Do you think any other alcohol would work in its place? Otherwise I guess I could buy a bottle and use the rest for the Christmas cake.

Vodka works fine too.