Friday, January 27, 2012

Blood Orange Jam - Just One Jar


Everyone has been parading around blood oranges lately with reckless abandon.  The more I saw them, the more I wanted them.  Usually I've already found blood oranges at the market by now, scratch that; stalked the produce isle relentlessly till I've found the crimson beauties.  I peppered the produce guy with questions as to the where abouts of my favorite winter obsession.  I kinda got this strange feeling I was starting to bug him. Nah.

I even threw out a few names thinking it might ring a bell in his memory.  Surely you know Buttercream Blondi or Nami; they have both been spotted using blood oranges.  That's when I lost it; I knew he was holding out on me.  "Look Dude I don't want to have to get all up in your grill but quit hiding all the freaking blood oranges for yourself before I have to get ugly up in here." The next few moments were a complete blur and I have no idea why I was swiftly escorted out of the store at that point.

The fact I was shouting, "Don't you know who I am, I'm SPCookieQueen" or "Don't think I won't blog about this", probably wasn't helping the matter.  So I threw on some dark sunglasses, an over sized hat and slunk into another grocery store unnoticed.


Blood Orange Jam
5 blood oranges, medium sized (1 1/2 pounds)
Juice from 2 Meyer lemons
Zest from 2 of the blood oranges
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 teaspoons low-sugar pectin
Clean, empty one pint jar with a tight fitting lid

Wash and dry all of the oranges.  Zest two of the oranges and put the zest into a small saucepan.

Cut the top and bottom off of an orange, stand the orange up on the cut off end and cut away all the rind from the orange, don't leave any of the white pith behind.  Cut out the segments of flesh with a paring knife.  Squeeze the orange for the remaining juice and discard the membrane. Repeat.  Add the orange segments and lemon juice to the sauce pan.  Add sugar and pectin, stir.

Cook on medium low heat for 16-20 minutes until the jam is starting to thicken.  Stirring every few minutes, and turn down the heat if it is boiling too rapidly.

This recipe makes 1 pint of jam.  Put a seal and lid on the jar and store it in the fridge.

The jam never made it two days in this house due to the fact I made Becky's - Meyer Lemon Bread. Talk about a crazy good combination.

Note:  This jam sets up firm, if you want a little looser jam decrease the pectin to 2 teaspoons.  I just prefer mine a little thicker.

Meyer Lemon Bread - adapted slightly from Becky's recipe
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
Zest of 2 Meyer lemons
Juice of 2 Meyer lemons
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, or 325 degrees F for a glass pan.

In the bowl of a mixer cream the butter and sugar, till light and fluffy.  Add the 2 eggs, lemon zest and juice.  Beat well.  Add the flour, baking powder and milk, mix until combined.

Pour the batter into an 8"x4" pan sprayed with no-stick spray and dusted with flour.  Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

I used a metal pan and Becky used a glass pan and hers took much longer, so don't worry if you use glass and it seems like it isn't cooking as fast.

The bread ends up being super lemony and has a nice moist cake like texture.


I'm hoping that if I drop in and bring the produce guy and store manager one of these cakes and a jar of jam that all will be forgiven and they let me start shopping there again.  Gosh I hope it works, I miss that store already.

Enjoy,

Gina

34 comments:

  1. Blood oranges and meyer lemons. Don't forget the lemons. I've seen both all over the place, except near me. Now I have to go raise a ruckus because, a) you're my hero and b) I want to make both of these things.

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  2. I'm so glad you made me some blood orange jam, how nice of you;-)
    Your photos are so bright and pretty! I'm babysitting today so I have to be leave a quick comment!

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  3. Gina,
    Thanks for the huge shout out! I'm glad that the bread went so well with your blood orange jam. I have some of that bread in the freezer, so now I ahve to go on the hunt for blood oranges, too. Wish me luck! My produce guy doesn't like me much either, because I keep bugging him about the Country of origin for the produce, which is hardly ever visible

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  4. Thanks Christiane you are the sweetest.
    Patty, enjoy your beautiful grandchildren.
    Becky that's funny, all the produce guys will have to watch their backs if we keep this up, lol.

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  5. Gina! How cool is that...I was just getting ready to make meyer lemon bread out of my tangerine bread recipe and a blueberry drizzle over top! This looks so delish with your blood orange jam...especially for breakfast! Yummm!!
    Oh...I hope your peace offering works but...keep the dark glasses handy in case you get all ugly up in here, k?! :o

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  6. Two amazing recipes! Now if I could just find blood oranges and meyer lemons!

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  7. The color of this jam is GORGEOUS, and i know it tastes even better! Love blood oranges...they have a bit of a raspberry background flavor to me. BTW...having a linky party for Super Bowl food...would love you to come take part and share some of your favorites!

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  8. Talk about artisanal small batch (just one jar)--that's my kinda recipe! :) The Meyer lemon bread sounds delish as well. Happy weekend to you, Gina!

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  9. LOL :D You are hilarious.. LOVE this jam recipe! How gorgeous is the color... and that bread sounds incredible too! I so wish I could buy blood oranges where I live... maybe I should try your technique! Awesome and super-tempting post, Gina!

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  10. These two recipes are making my heart sing! That jam is beautiful!

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  11. Oh Gina! You are such a hoot! Love it, love it! This jam is just beautiful, the color is stunning. Have a great weekend!

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  12. A sunshine in a jar! I want some for the bread! Gorgeous colour.

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  13. This looks so good Gina; I can almost taste it; great photo and love these 2 recipes.
    Rita

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  14. Oh great Gina, now the next time I am at the marker and run across blood oranges, then burst out in hysterical laughter...I will end out be escorted out, lol! You crack me up, love coming here early in the morning, plus this bread and gorgeous jam look like breakfast to me :)

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  15. This is like the best marmalade. Ever. The colour is outstanding! Paired with that lemon bread, and I can see why it's so addicting.

    Also, I figure the grocer will be starting a "blood oranges behind the counter" "no crazy ladies" policy because of you :)

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  16. Ha!! That was hysterical!! I'm so glad you were successful in your blood orange quest. When we lived in Vacaville we planted a blood orange tree and I hear that it has grown into a beautiful very big tree, although we only saw it as a baby. I'm glad someone is enjoying it. I'm on my way to the Farmers Market tomorrow, and I will keep my eye out for some of these beauties. Jams are something that I really want to make an effort at making this year. I've not been hugely successful in the past... we'll see what I can do! Happy weekend, Gina!!
    And frankly I'm shocked that they didn't know who they were dealing with in the store... us bloggers deserve more respect!!!

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  17. Haha, you're serving up snark with your vibrant blood orange jam! I've been meaning to make Meyer Lemon bread since my lovely neighbor brought me another bagfull yesterday - now, I'll have to start stalking blood oranges for some jam to go with it :) Happy Sunday, Gina!

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  18. I love it! Glad you got your hands on some blood oranges finally! I've been so intimidated about the prospect of making jam that I have considered making a small amount. I think you've just erased the last excuse I have used not to make it. This will be perfect for me--sounds and looks so good! Now I hope I will be able to find some blood oranges...

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  19. I hope you make some Jean, I think you will like it. Yes Kim we do, lol. Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

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  20. Too funny, Gina!!! Loving this delicious citrus post...both the jam and bread look amazing!

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  21. love it all!!! LOL at you going all buckwild in the gocery store ;) man, i be alllllll up on those produce dudes grill. they do hide stuff...yes, i've been kicked out of a few grocery store. Blogthugsinharmony ;)

    This recipe looks awesome. Both bread and jam- will def make this soon!!!

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  22. Gina-I could just picture you with the big sunglasses and the hat, trying to get unnoticed...LOL you are just too hilarious. That would be me doing something like this. At least you got the blood orange!
    I'm totally drooling over that precious jar of blood orange jam, and Becky's Meyer lemon bread that you made. Both, are such are amazing citrus pairing...made in "heaven"

    BTW-we get our good share of blood orange in our Whole Foods, also Meyer lemons, but in our local supermarkets, it's very scarce!
    We also excel with our cute little key limes, from our Florida state!
    Have a wonderful week, my dear friend:DDD

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  23. Love it all! This is why I love reading your blog & thank you for the shout out! The color of that blood orange jam is amazing! Paired with the meyer lemon bread must be out of this world! Hope you have a great week & thanks again!!

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  24. Gina you are too funny! Oh the things one has to do for cravings. I need to go harass my produce guy for some blood oranges soon.

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  25. Gina! Thanks for mentioning my name here. I LOOOOOVE blood oranges and just had it last week. I've been sick for over 2 weeks and I've been taking all kinds of citrusy fruits for vitamin c... I love that you made just one jar. Well, blood oranges are a little expensive so it's perfect amount for us to try it out. I bet my whole family will love this. My kids are crazy about blood oranges too. I love the look and taste. Smell.... ohhh my mouth is watering thinking about this jam! When I'm well, I want to make this. Looks so good on bread or anything. I think our family will finish it pretty quickly too!!

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  26. just found your blog...you have so much delicious stuff!! we love blood oranges, and i bet this jam paired beautifully with the bread...thanks for sharing!

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  27. Gina, what an hilarious story...and I am so glad you found the oranges. The world would be a sadder place without this jam. What a wonderful creation and how perfect it goes with that bread.

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  28. Gina-
    I am loving your blog! I wanted to let you know I have nominated you to receive The Liebster Blog Award For up and coming bloggers of less than 200 followers. You can view the rules on my blog at http://thebakerbecky.blogspot.com/.

    Happy Blogging!

    Becky

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  29. Curse that sneaky ninja produce man!? He clearly did not know who he was dealing with! Superstar, chef blogger extraordinaire! Give me an address...I'll send a strongly-worded letter, by golly.

    Of course...I'll only help you if you send me a jar of this jam ;)

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  30. hehehee..you got me LOL and my kids are still sleeping! :))
    Fun post,and jam look soooo good! Lovely photos as always dear Gina!

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  31. Just one word - DIVINE! Thank you for bringing a jar with you for the cooking baking day yesterday along with that fab cake. I literally could eat that whole jar of blood orange goodness. You have inspired me and I need to can some of this before the season has passed me by. Great to see you yesterday and bringing all of the wonderful valentine's day decorating goodies!!! Enjoy your Sunday!

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  32. Hmmm...I have exactly six blood oranges and I know what I'll be doing with five of them. :) The Meyer lemon bread looks good as well- Looks like a citrus kind of weekend for me! Came over from Patty's- looks like y'all had a great time making all kinds of lovely Valentine treats!

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  33. Thank you for letting me know about this recipe. I am hoping we still have some blood oranges! I have never used a Meyer lemon and will have to look for them. Your photography is stunning!

    Thanks for posting this recipe!

    Cynthia at http://FeedingBig.com

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    1. Thanks Cynthia. You can certainly sub regular lemons for the Meyer lemons. I think Meyers are sweeter so I might add a couple more tablespoons of sugar if using regular lemons.
      -Gina-

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