Best Blood Orange Recipes

At Oakland, Calif.'s upcoming Eat Real Fest, there's one ingredient on show that you may not think to mix into your cocktails: jam. But the Jam Bar, back by popular demand, is making waves with its boozy jam concoctions. For those who can't make it, Greg Lindgren of Rye SF shares his artisan cocktail using Blue Chair Fruit Company's blood orange marmalade. 

Serve as one of your  Thanksgiving appetizers. The toasted pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch to the soft avocados. It's recommeneded that you pair this dish with Thorny Rose Chardonnay. 

This light yet refreshing dessert from Chef Laurent Quenioux of Vertical Wine Bar in Pasadena, Calif. is wonderful to serve after a rich meal to cleanse the palate. Serve a couple of crisp chocolate chip cookies alongside, if you wish. — Allison Beck Click here to see A Cassoulet Supper.

This recipe is derived from my dad’s amazing margaritas. During the summer, he’s the margarita-maker. I don’t know what he does, but I can never seem to recreate the slightly-tart, slightly-sweet, and oh-so-easy-to-drink cocktail he creates. Here, I sub half the lime juice for blood orange juice. Just remember: The key to the recipe is equal parts juice to triple sec to tequila. I’ve dabbled with using both triple sec and Grand Marnier in the drink. I find a smoother taste comes from using good-quality triple sec (not the $5 stuff in the grocery store). And NEVER use anything but fresh lime juice — preferably from room temperature limes. This recipe calls for serving the margarita up, but you can also serve it over rocks. A salt rim is up to you... But forgetting the Chunky Guacamole with chips is a crime.

Take advantage of the biggest perk of winter, blood oranges, with this healthy salad.