Smoothies

 Photo by Carl Kravats

Here in Southern California smoothies are de rigueur. We love all kinds of smoothies. Nearly every casual restaurant will offer at least several smoothies on their menu, and smoothie bars abound at the beach. Just the thought of a smoothie conjures up thoughts of sunshine, surfers, boardwalks, and beach volleyball.

The best part of smoothies is that they can be good-for-you drinks that are absolutely delicious, especially on a hot summer day. We have our favorites at the Grove and with our plentiful citrus crops, we are actually quite spoiled. If you have never tried blood orange juice, you absolutely must. Nothing can compare to the vibrant natural red color or the refreshing sweet and tart flavor. I hope you enjoy one of our favorite smoothie recipes.

Blood Orange Banana Smoothie
Serves 2

Ingredients:

12 oz. La Vigne Organics Blood Orange Juice

1 frozen very ripe banana

1 cup ice

4 oz. low-fat vanilla yogurt (optional)

Directions:

Thoroughly blend juice and banana together in blender. Add ice and blend to desired consistency. If you are using yogurt, blend in with ice. Pour smoothie into two serving glasses, and garnish with a slice of blood orange.

Photo by Carl Kravats

 

Kumquat Scones with Candied Ginger and Orange

Making these scones makes me happy because they always come out nicely, their easy to make, and friends always love them. The ginger and the kumquats compliment one another and provide a subtle reminder of the Orient wrapped up in a British scone. Put the kettle on! Time for scones and tea!

Photo by Carl Kravats

Kumquat Scones with Candied Ginger and Orange 

makes 8 scones

Pans and equipment: 
Two jellyroll or half-sheet pans, stacked one on top of the other (this "double panning" will prevent the bottom of the scones from over-browning).  Line the top pan with a sheet of parchment paper.

Ingredients:

¼ cup (1-3/4 ounces) sugar

Generous 1/3 cup (2 ounces) chopped candied ginger

2 cups (10 ounces) unbleached all purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

Zest of 1 large orange, grated

1 stick (4 ounces) cold unsalted butter, chopped into ½-inch pieces

½ cup (3 ounces) La Vigne Organic Nagami Kumquat Conserve (to measure: first rinse, pat dry,  remove seeds, and chop each piece into quarters)

¾ cup (6 ounces) cold heavy whipping cream

Ingredients to Finish:

2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

Turbinado sugar, granulated sugar, or crystallized sugar

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 F.  Position an oven rack in the center of the oven.

Place the sugar and candied ginger in the bowl of a food processor and process until the ginger is very finely chopped.  Add the flour, salt, baking powder, orange zest and cold butter pieces and pulse until the butter is the size of small peas.

Transfer the mixture into a bowl (or a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment) and stir in the kumquats.  Pour in the cream and mix just until blended - do not beat or the scones will be tough.  Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 or 3 times, just to bring the dough together.  Pat into a 7-inch circle, then use a large knife to cut the circle into eight equal wedges.  (At this point the scones can be refrigerated overnight, or frozen, well wrapped, for up to 1 month.)

Place the scones on the prepared sheet pan.  Brush the top of each scone with cream and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until firm to the touch and golden brown.  Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool.

Here's our organic Kumquat Conserve that we used in the recipe.

Photo by Carl Kravats