Orange Marmelade

Romanian Orange Marmalade Recipe with Lemon and Sugar

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 1 hour 40-50 minutes | Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4.

Introduction

Orange marmalade is a classic and delicious spread that is perfect for breakfast or as a topping for desserts. Made with fresh oranges and lemon, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Orange marmalade has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 18th century in Scotland. It was originally made with bitter Seville oranges, which gave it a unique and tangy flavor. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include sweet oranges and lemon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Ingredients

4 large oranges
1 lemon
an equal amount of sugar as the weight of oranges
water in which the lemon and oranges were boiled
three times the amount of water, by weight, as the weight of the oranges and lemon
juice from 1 lemon

How to prepare

Wash the oranges and lemon.
Slice each fruit into 16 sections lengthwise and then halve each section.
You will now have 32 pieces of each fruit.
Weigh the fruit and add three times as much water.
Leave them like this for 24 hours.
Then set to boil and keep on heat for 1 hour since the moment it starts boiling.
Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, refrigerating for another 24 hours.
Weigh the oranges again together with the water they boiled in and add as much sugar.
The sugar should be added after the oranges and water have been heated.
Boil for 40 – 50 minutes.
Pour into warmed jars while still warm.
Tie the jars with cellophane after the marmalade is cold.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding spices such as cinnamon or cloves for a warm and cozy flavor. You can also add a splash of rum or whiskey for a boozy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the oranges and lemon thoroughly before slicing them.

- Let the fruit sit in water for 24 hours to help soften the peel and remove any bitterness.

- Boil the fruit for 1 hour to help release the natural pectin, which will help the marmalade set.

- Refrigerate the fruit and lemon juice for an additional 24 hours to enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to add the sugar after the fruit has been boiled to prevent scorching.

- Pour the marmalade into warm jars to help seal them properly.

Serving Suggestions

Orange marmalade is perfect on toast, scones, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. It can also be used as a glaze for meats or added to sauces for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect orange marmalade is to boil the fruit for the right amount of time to release the natural pectin. Be sure to follow the recipe closely to ensure a thick and flavorful spread.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh oranges, you can use canned or frozen orange segments. You can also substitute the lemon with lime for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Orange marmalade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to seal the jars properly to prevent spoilage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve orange marmalade in a decorative jar with a ribbon or label for a homemade touch. You can also spoon it into small jars to give as gifts to friends and family.

Pairing Recommendations

Orange marmalade pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar. It also goes well with smoked meats or grilled chicken for a sweet and savory combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store orange marmalade in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a small saucepan and warm over low heat until melted.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of orange marmalade contains approximately 60 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of orange marmalade contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Orange marmalade is a low-fat spread, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is no protein in orange marmalade.

Vitamins and minerals

Orange marmalade is a good source of vitamin C, providing over 20% of the recommended daily intake per serving. It also contains small amounts of vitamin A and calcium.

Alergens

Orange marmalade does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Orange marmalade is a low-calorie spread that is high in vitamin C and carbohydrates. It is a delicious and healthy addition to your breakfast or dessert.

Summary

Orange marmalade is a classic and delicious spread that is perfect for breakfast or as a topping for desserts. Made with fresh oranges and lemon, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this tangy and sweet spread on toast, scones, or as a glaze for meats.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a sunny afternoon in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting my friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the countryside. Margaret was an excellent cook, and she had a way of making everything she prepared look and taste absolutely delicious.

As we sat sipping tea in her cozy kitchen, Margaret reached into her cupboard and pulled out a small jar of orange marmalade. The vibrant color of the marmalade caught my eye, and I couldn't help but ask her about the recipe. Margaret smiled and told me that it was her grandmother's recipe, passed down through the generations.

She went on to explain how the recipe was a labor of love, requiring fresh oranges, sugar, and a lot of patience. Margaret's eyes sparkled with excitement as she described the process of boiling the oranges, straining the pulp, and cooking the mixture until it reached the perfect consistency. I was in awe of her passion for cooking and knew that I had to learn how to make this delicious marmalade for myself.

Over the next few weeks, Margaret took me under her wing and taught me the art of making orange marmalade. We spent countless hours in her kitchen, slicing oranges, measuring sugar, and carefully stirring the bubbling mixture on the stove. Margaret's patience and guidance were invaluable, and I soaked up every bit of knowledge she shared with me.

As the marmalade simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its sweet aroma, Margaret shared stories of her childhood and her memories of making marmalade with her grandmother. I listened intently, hanging on to every word as she painted a picture of a bygone era where homemade preserves were a cherished tradition.

Finally, after hours of stirring and simmering, the marmalade was ready. Margaret poured the hot mixture into sterilized jars, sealing them with a satisfying pop. We let the marmalade cool on the counter, eagerly anticipating the moment when we could taste the fruits of our labor.

When the time came to try the marmalade, I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The bright, tangy flavor of the oranges paired perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar, creating a spread that was both refreshing and decadent. Margaret beamed with pride as I declared it the best marmalade I had ever tasted.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made orange marmalade whenever I could, experimenting with different variations and perfecting the recipe with each batch. I shared jars of marmalade with friends and family, spreading the joy of homemade preserves wherever I went.

As the years passed, the recipe for orange marmalade became a cherished tradition in my own family. My children grew up helping me make marmalade, just as I had learned from Margaret all those years ago. The scent of oranges simmering on the stove became a familiar and comforting presence in our home, reminding us of the bond we shared over a love of cooking.

Today, as I pass on the recipe for orange marmalade to my grandchildren, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that began in Margaret's kitchen so many years ago. The recipe may have originated from her family, but it has now become a part of my own legacy, a symbol of the love and connection that food can bring to our lives.

And as I watch my grandchildren stir the pot of bubbling marmalade, their eyes alight with curiosity and wonder, I know that the tradition will continue to flourish for generations to come. The recipe for orange marmalade may have humble beginnings, but its legacy is rich and enduring, a testament to the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.