Sweet blood oranges are some of our favorite members of the citrus family. During the season we use them in everything from drinks to desserts, like this cloud of syllabub.
A syllabub is a traditional English dessert made with cream and wine or other spirits. Here we added blood orange for a sweet citrus note – enhanced by the addition of orange-flavored liqueur such as Cointreau. A splash of rose water adds fragrance without tasting too floral. If you don't have blood oranges, any other orange would be a fine substitute.
Whipped until creamy, this syllabub makes a nice, simple dessert by itself or served with a few cookies on the side. (Pistachio-Lemon Langues de Chat would be lovely.)
Blood Orange Syllabub
Serves 4
Zest and juice of 1 blood orange (can substitute another orange)
1 tablespoon orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 tablespoon rose water
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream (or double cream, if available)
Optional garnishes: orange sugar, orange dust, or chopped pistachios
In a small bowl, combine the orange zest and juice, liqueur, rose water, and sugar, and stir to dissolve the sugar. If you have time, let this sit for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator to let the flavors mellow.
In a large, chilled bowl, start beating the cream with a hand whisk or an electric mixer. Gradually add the orange mixture, whisking constantly, until the cream is fluffy with soft peaks. Be sure not to over-beat, or the cream will become lumpy.
Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve. To serve, gently spoon into cups or glasses and garnish, if desired.
Related: Easy Summer Dessert Recipe: Syllabub
(Images: Emily Ho)
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those blood oranges look very good quality, you just can tell for the colour. Blood oranges have more or less the same quantity of Vitamin C than normal oranges but much more anti-oxidants than other oranges. The Beta Carotene in this orange covers 2 per cent of your daily recommended Vitamin A intake, Beta carotene has been found to help protect against cancer and ageing, so no excuses for prepare you recipe!
Sounds wonderful! What could you use as a substitute for the liqueur for those of us who can't have alcohol?
I have orange blossom water (in addition to rose water) in my cupboard. Do you think that'd be orange over-kill? It's still flowery scented.
I love these blue stoneware pots!!!
@JENND0718 You could omit the alcohol and perhaps add a splash of orange flower water as suggested by @EBARRETT3.
@EBARRETT3 Yes, I think that could be lovely, just don't overdo it, as you know orange flower water can be overpowering in large quantity!