Spiced Orange Aperitif Food

FENNEL-ORANGE SYRUP

Steps:

• Combine sugar, orange juice, fennel seeds, star anise, and 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, stirring until sugar is dissolved (if it begins to boil, reduce heat -- boiling will make the syrup cloudy). Remove from heat; stir in orange zest. Let steep 1 hour.
• Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large liquid-measuring cup; discard solids. Refrigerate until completely cool, 1 hour. Pour into gift bottles, adding orange peel, if desired. Syrup can be stored in bottles, refrigerated, up to 1 month.

SPICED ORANGE WINE

Steps:

• Bring all ingredients except oranges to a boil (reserve wine bottles and corks), stirring until sugar has dissolved.
• Remove zest from oranges in a continuous spiral using a vegetable peeler and cut off any white pith with a paring knife. Reserve oranges for another use and divide zest between empty wine bottles.
• Fill bottles with orange wine and cool, uncorked, 1 hour.
• Cork bottles, then chill at least 4 hours.

SPICED ORANGE APERITIF

Steps:

• Combine syrup, vodka, and orange and lemon juices. Pour over crushed ice, and serve with an orange slice.

ORANGE SPICE BLEND

Steps:

• In a 1/2 cup conatainer with a tight-fitting lid,.
• combine all ingredients.
• Store in a cool dry place.
• Use within 6 months.