Orange Blossom Salad Food

MOROCCAN ORANGE-BLOSSOM SCENTED CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat.
• While you're waiting for your water to boil, Stir together 1 tsp of the orange blossom water and all other ingredients except for the carrots and parsley in a medium mixing bowl. Set dressing mixture aside.
• Once your water is at a full rolling boil, add the carrots and cook until tender but still a bit crisp (I'm guessing about 10 minutes for this, because the carrots are so thin, but you'll have to check them as they cook so you don't end up with mushy carrots). When the carrots are done to your liking, drain them and add them to the dressing bowl, tossing to coat thoroughly. At this point, if you can fit the mixing bowl in your freezer, do so. If, like me, you can't even fit a cereal bowl in your freezer, dump the dressed carrots into a large freezer bag and seal tightly (don't want your freezer smelling like Moroccan dressing, even if it does contain orange blossom water!), and place in the freezer.
• Allow the mixture to chill for about 15 to 20 minutes, tossing once or twice. Remove from the freezer and pour into a serving bowl if using a freezer bag.
• Toss mixture once more with the remaining orange blossom water. Salt to taste, if desired (if you salted your water enough for the carrots, you may not need any additional salt).
• Serve either slightly chilled or at room temp, sprinkled with the parsley.

STRAWBERRY AND HAZELNUT SALAD WITH ORANGE BLOSSOM DRESSING

Steps:

• Cover the raisins with hot water in a small bowl and let stand until plump, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, toast the hazelnuts in a large pan over medium-high heat, shaking the pan frequently, until the skins begin to fall off and the nuts are toasted, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop. Set aside.
• Mix the white wine vinegar, orange blossom water, honey and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until emulsified. Add the strawberries, figs, apricots, spring mix, hazelnuts, raisins and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the bowl and toss until well combined. Serve immediately.

MIDDLE EASTERN CARROT SALAD

Steps:

• Put the orange blossom water, cumin, oil, lemon juice and some seasoning into a jar. Screw on the lid and shake well to combine.
• Tip the carrots and mint into a bowl. Pour over the dressing, season and toss everything together.

HALLOUMI SALAD WITH ORANGE & MINT

Steps:

• Heat a large griddle or frying pan over a high heat. In a large bowl, combine the orange segments and juice, mint leaves, vinegar and olive oil. Season, then gently toss together.
• Slice each block of halloumi into 8-10 pieces, then griddle or fry for 1-2 mins on each side until charred and beginning to melt.
• Add the walnuts and salad leaves to the orange and mint, then toss together. Top with the griddled halloumi slices and season with some black pepper.

ORANGE BLOSSOM MINTED CARROT RAISIN SALAD

Steps:

• Dressing -- Mix all the ingredients (except the mint) in a small bowl or measuring cup. Mix well to combine. Set half of the orange that you sliced as a garnish off to the side.
• Salad -- In a medium bowl, add the carrots and both raisins and mix well to combine. Toss with 1/2 of the dressing and check for seasoning (salt and pepper). Add a bit more of the dressing, but save a little to add right before you serve. Cover well with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Serve -- Before serving, toss well, and add in the pecans, mint and the reserved dressing if necessary. I like to plate and garnish with some of the orange slices. ENJOY!

ORANGE BLOSSOMS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray miniature muffin tins with cooking spray.
• Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend with a stand mixer for about 2 minutes or until smooth.
• Pour about a tablespoon of batter into each spot in the muffin tin. I used a mini ice cream scoop about the size of a melon baller.
• Bake for about 12 minutes. Remove from pan immediately and set aside to cool slightly.
• Sift the confectioner's sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the water, oil and vanilla and mix until smooth.
• Dip the warm cupcakes into the glaze and place them on a wire rack with waxed paper underneath to cool and for the glaze to set. This could take a while especially if it's humid.
• When the glaze has set completely the cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container until it's time to serve them.