(Family Features) Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, saying “I love you” to a faraway relative or offering a kind gesture to a friend or neighbor, sending a gift is a thoughtful way to share your appreciation. A handwritten note goes a long way, and you can take that token of gratitude one step further by pairing it with an authentic fruit basket.
When it’s time to give a gift to a friend or loved one, consider sending fresh Florida Citrus boxes, which contain premium citrus hand-selected at the peak of ripeness. Available in a variety of sizes to fit your budget and filled with your choice of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and unique jams, jellies and candies, the baskets arrive fresh at the door of your recipient.
With naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State, the unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall help grow juicy citrus. Plus, the delicious fruits are equally nutritious as they’re loaded with vitamin C and provide a combination of nutrients to support overall health to help adults and children alike meet intake recommendations for certain key nutrients.
On top of their taste as appetizing snacks, they’re perfect for cooking in recipes like Citrus Cherry Cobbler that take advantage of their natural sweetness and allow for mouthwatering meals, sides, desserts and more.
To choose a premium, hand-selected basket and send to your friends, neighbors, coworkers and loved ones, visit gifts.floridacitrus.org.
Citrus Cherry Cobbler
Cobbler:
4 cups cherries, pitted, juice reserved
1/2 cup Florida Orange Juice
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups Florida Orange segments, seeded
1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments, seeded
Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons milk
To make cobbler: In medium saucepan, combine cherries and reserved juice, orange juice, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute and remove from heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Cool and add orange segments and grapefruit segments. Pour filling into baking dish or pie pan.
To make topping: Heat oven to 350 F.
In food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Add butter and pulse until butter is cut into small, pea-sized pieces. Remove flour mixture from food processor and place in mixing bowl. Add egg and milk; stir until just combined. Drop topping mixture by tablespoon over filling until almost covered.
Bake until topping is browned and filling is bubbling and hot. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.
Source: Florida Department of Citrus
