Spiced Oranges And Dates Recipes

Steps:

• Add the water and sugar to a saucespan. Stir over heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the peel from one orange. cloves, ginger, star anise and cinnamon stick pieces. SImmer 10 minutes or until a syrup forms. Remove from the heat.
• Slice the oranges into thick rounds. Remove the pits from the dates and cut the dates into halves. Add the oranges and dates to the sugar syrup. Set aside for 20 minutes.
• Spoon the fruit onto one large platter to serve -- or into serving bowls. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.
• Serve with yogurt or custard.

Steps:

• Arrange orange segments or slices on a serving platter.
• Arrange dates on top of oranges.
• Sprinkle with toasted almonds.
• Drizzle with rose water.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
• Garnish with mint leaves before serving.
• NOTE: Rose water is a distillation or rose petals and can be purchased in Middle Eastern grocery stores.
• It has an intense flavor and fragrance of roses.
• It has been used for hundreds of years in the Middle East.

Steps:

• Place orange slices in a large stainless-steel saucepan; cover with cold water. Simmer until skins are tender, about 1 1/4 hours.
• Remove oranges with a slotted spoon; place in a colander to drain. Discard water.
• Combine sugar and vinegar in the same saucepan; stir over low heat. Bring to a boil. Add spices; simmer 10 minutes.
• Add oranges and simmer, covered, for 40 minutes, or until skins are translucent. Cool.
• Layer oranges in sterilized jars, cover with syrup, and seal. The oranges can be used right away, but the flavor will be improved by waiting 4 to 6 weeks.