Roasted Vanilla Orange Juice

We haven’t seen the sun in almost two weeks here in Kansas City, so in order to bring a little cheer to our day, we thought now would be a great time to test out this recipe for Roasted Vanilla Orange Juice. It’s subtle and sweet with a hint of ooh-la-la and is sure to win over friends and family alike — that is, if there’s any left.

Although orange juice is delicious in its own right, every girl likes to wear a new party dress once in a while, especially when it involves a quick run through the oven with some caramelized results. This beverage is perfect for a party, wedding or baby shower, or for a special treat in the morning when you need a little pick-me-up. Here’s how to make it:

Roasted Vanilla Orange Juice
Yields about 3 cups (depending on the size of your orange)
Originally from Feasting On Art

4 large oranges
1 vanilla pod, split
3 c water
1/2 c sugar

Juice 3 oranges and set aside. Slice the fourth orange into 3 large sections and place in an 8×8 baking pan with 1 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar and the vanilla pod. Roast for 25-30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the oranges and the sugar/water they’re sitting in become thicker and begin to caramelize. Don’t wait until it’s extra thick or else it will turn to orange candy in your pan, which although tasty, isn’t what you’re going for in this recipe! Remove from the oven and let cool.

Mix the remaining sugar and water until dissolved over high heat in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes. Set aside and cool.

Once the roasted oranges have cooled, juice and discard the rinds. We found it easiest to ball it up in your hand and just squeeze, they’re soft enough it’s the easiest way to extract all that tasty goodness. Scrape the vanilla seeds from the pod and add to the juice. Strain (if possible) the water and sugar mixture from the baking pan and add it to the mix. Once the simple syrup in the sauce pan is cool add to the juice mixture and then chill in the refrigerator. Serve cold.

It’s like a creamsicle in a cup and is the perfect counterpart for so many dishes!

• Related: Recipe: D.I.Y. Orange Smoothie

(Image: Sarah Rae Trover)