Caramel Orange Ring Food

CARAMELIZED ORANGES

Steps:

• Place cold water in a heavy-based saucepan, add the sugar and bring SLOWLY to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
• (The sugar must be completely dissolved before the liquid boils.) Once the sugar is boiling, DO NOT STIR.
• Continue to boil.
• Use a pastry-brush dipped in water to wash down any sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, until the sugar is a rich, dark, caramel colour.
• Remove from heat and CAREFULLY add the warm water to the caramel WHICH WILL SPIT AND SPLUTTER!
• Return pan to the heat and continue stirring to dissolve the caramel in the water.
• Set aside to cool.
• Peel all the oranges, setting the peel of one aside.
• (Remove as much of the white pith as possible.) Place the peeled oranges in a bowl and pour over the caramel sauce, gently turning the fruit to cover each with sauce.
• Chill well.
• Cut the served peel into matchstick-sized pieces and cook until tender in boiling water.
• Refresh in cold water and drain.
• Sprinkle half the cooked zest over the oranges in the bowl and stir.
• Serve each chilled orange with the sauce and garnish with additional zest.
• Serves 6.

CARAMEL ORANGES

Steps:

• In a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons water and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Cook until caramel turns a golden amber, about 15 minutes. Pour caramel onto a greased baking sheet to cool. Break into shards. Peel oranges so that no pith remains. Run knife between membranes to release segments. Squeeze whatever juice remains in the membrane over orange segments. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier. Let macerate for 20 minutes. Spoon orange segments into glasses. Spoon remaining juice over segments. Garnish with caramel shards.

ORANGE CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring until deep amber color, occasionally brushing down pan sides with wet pastry brush and swirling pan, about 8 minutes.
• Carefully add orange juice and orange peel (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir over low heat until smooth and any caramel bits dissolve. Cool completely. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)

ORANGE CARAMELS

Steps:

• Butter an 8" square pan and set aside Combine first 4 ingredients in a heavy 4qt saucepan.
• Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, to 248F (firm ball).
• Stir in cream and butter.
• This will lower the temperature.
• Continue cooking and stirring constantly to 245F.
• Remove from heat.
• Pour into prepared pan.
• Allow to stand at room temperature overnight.
• If you wish to add nuts, you can stir them in right before pouring or spread them in the pan before you pour in the caramel.
• These are good with cashews.
• They're also great rolled in toasted coconut.