At first glance, oranges may seem an odd choice for the month of December. However, did you know that oranges (and most citrus fruits) are actually in season during the winter months? I find that they are even sweeter this time of year too!
While clementine oranges are super popular in my house because of how easy they are to peel (my four year old can be independent! Mom win!), I try not to neglect some of the other varieties in the produce aisle. I especially love the large sumo oranges that will be hitting the shelves at Wegmans fairly soon. It's our holiday tradition to have them as part of our Christmas morning brunch.
My love for oranges goes all the way back to my childhood in the 90s, and a classic mall treat: the Orange Julius. Was anyone else obsessed with these as a kid? I loved them so much my mom would by little mix packets to whip up in the blender at home (I'm sure one still exists in the back corners of her kitchen today). Orange Julius may not be the healthiest way to enjoy the flavor of an orange, but it can be easily made at home with just a few ingredients and a blender. Remember, the goal of these recipes is to expose kids to new foods. A toddler can easily dump ingredients into the blender and push the button to make it blend, which many little ones find exciting. This makes it an ideal recipe for this month's CookBook.
It turns out finding a book about oranges that is suitable for the under 5 crowd was more challenging than it sounds. But I think most toddlers would enjoy this one. Emily Gravett's Orange Pear Apple Bear uses those four words in different combinations to tell a playful story of a bear and his snack. Simple and sweet. Best of all, it is very accessible through the Monroe County Library!
Orange Julius
(Courtesy of The Kitchn )
Makes 2 glasses
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 6-oz can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 c sugar (or sugar substitutes)
1 1/2 c ice
Add milk and vanilla to the blender and pulse until combined.
Add the frozen orange juice concentrate and blend until combined with the milk.
Add the sugar and ice; blend until cubes are crushed and mixture has thickened.
If too thick, add 1 tbsp water and blend again.
Serve with your fanciest curly straws for a little extra fun!
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Have a safe and magical holiday season! See you in 2025!
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