Blood Oranges With Caramel Sauce And Cocoa Nibs Recipes

BLOOD ORANGES WITH CARAMEL SAUCE AND COCOA NIBS

Steps:

• Cut top and bottom off 3 oranges to expose flesh. Stand each orange upright, and cut off peel (including pith) in vertical strips. Cut flesh into 1/4-inch rounds, reserving juice in a bowl. Juice remaining 2 oranges, adding enough juice to reserved juice to equal 1/2 cup.
• Make the caramel sauce: Prepare an ice-water bath. Bring sugar and 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring until sugar is dissolved; continue cooking until mixture is dark amber in color, about 6 minutes. Remove from heat, and slowly and carefully add butter, juice, and a pinch of salt, stirring until smooth (you should have 3/4 cup sauce). Transfer pan to ice-water bath, and let cool for 15 minutes.
• Divide orange slices among 4 shallow bowls, and top with caramel sauce and cocoa nibs.

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.)