Oranges are the fruit I most associate with Christmas. We never had much money at Christmas but my Mom always made sure we had a few gifts under the tree and a stocking filled with oranges and whole nuts. Oranges always make me think of her. So when my dinner guests arrived this week, bearing a crate of fresh Mexican oranges as a hostess gift, I was overwhelmed with citrus joy.

Angels come in many forms it seems. My friend, Ceci, could not have known that every time I cut into an orange I would think of my Mom and remember Christmases past.

Now, what to do with a crate of oranges besides making fresh squeezed oj? Let me tell you that oranges do not need to be delegated to breakfast alone. Here are 10 sweet and savory ways to use these vitamin C packed beauties. I’m taking my crate of oranges to Fiesta Friday with our tireless hostess, Angie where you can join our virtual fiesta.

1. Marinades:

Instead of traditional wine or vinegar-based marinades, try orange juice, the acid will tenderize meat, fish, poultry and pork. Carne asada marinade can be made with orange and lime juices, cilantro, garlic and hot peppers. Mix the juice with garlic and tequila for a quick margarita marinade for chicken or fish. For an Asian-style marinade, mix the juice with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, Thai basil, sugar and cilantro.

2. Salad Dressings and Vinaigrettes:

Whisk together 3 to 1 juice to olive oil, a tablespoon of shallots and a smidge of Dijon mustard. If you like your dressing sweeter, perhaps to served over spinach or arugula, add a touch of honey. Zest the orange peel for a flavor burst in any salad.

3. Sauces:

Caramelize 1/2 cup of minced onion in olive oil, deglaze with orange juice and white wine. Add fresh basil and braise red snapper or halibut fillets until opaque. Finish the sauce with a tablespoon of butter for an elegant basil orange sauced fish.

Use orange juice to deglaze pans instead of wine when you pan-sear chicken, pork, or fish. The juice picks up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and creates a tasty sauce.

Salmon and orange are a match made in heaven.

Glaze a ham with orange juice and brown sugar.

Stuff a whole fish with oranges and limes and drizzle with orange juice, brown sugar and soy.

Brush cut oranges with olive oil and grill.

3. Popsicles, Paletas:

Make frozen treats without added sugar.  Pour orange juice with a scant amount of tequila or vodka into popsicle molds for an adult popsicle. Kids will love a creamy Dreamsicle version, combine equal parts orange juice and vanilla yogurt.

4. Smoothies:

Create smoothies by combining fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) with orange juice and vegan protein powder for a non-dairy smoothie. Combine oj, vanilla protein powder and yogurt for an Orange Julius. 

5. Orange Cubes:

Make flavorful ice by filling ice cube trays with orange juice instead of water. Add the cubes to sangria, fruit punch or hot or cold tea. You can use the cubes in your favorite fruit protein smoothies.

6. Salads:

Combine orange sections, raw or roasted beets with greens, like spinach or arugula, a handful of nuts or cooked quinoa and an orange vinaigrette  for a main meal salad. The vitamin C in oranges helps you utilize the iron in the deep green leafy vegetables.

7. Fruit toppping:

Combine sliced berries and orange juice and let sit for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge). Serve over sliced angel food cake, yogurt, ice cream, pancakes and waffles.

8. Cakes and Quick Breads:

Use orange juice in place of water and/or milk in your favorite cake and quick bread recipes.  Try this healthy cranberry orange bread.

9.Sweet Orange Dessert Glaze:

Combine powdered sugar and orange juice (instead of milk or water) and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over your favorite cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, angel food cake and pound cake. These orange glazed recipes looks delicious.

10. Beverages:

I rarely mess with a classic margarita made with tequila, Mexican Controy, lime juice and ice but a squeeze of fresh oj would be a welcome change. Now check out all the other cocktails and mocktails you can make with oj! Who knew?

Pin it for later. You might like my Pinterest Board for Fruit Desserts or Marinades.

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