Hello, wonderful readers! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that embodies pure joy and a much-needed splash of color, especially during the often-grey winter months. It’s a recipe that has consistently brightened my kitchen and my spirits, offering a delightful and delicious escape from recent stresses.

Finding Sunshine After the Storm: A Personal Journey to Zesty Delights

I recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Charleston, South Carolina – a city that, without fail, consistently steals my heart with its historic charm, vibrant culture, and stunning waterfront views. However, this wasn’t one of my usual leisurely getaways filled with antique hunting and long walks on the beach. This time, my visit had a very specific, and somewhat nerve-wracking, purpose: our oldest son, Sean, was undergoing LASIK eye surgery. This was something he had wished for for years, a truly life-changing procedure. While incredibly exciting for him, watching your child go through any medical procedure, however routine, can certainly elevate a mother’s stress levels to new heights.

Between Sean’s surgery preparations and our other son, Casey, embarking on his adventurous travels to Bali and Shanghai, the past few weeks felt like a blur of worry, logistical planning, and more than a few sleepless nights. My trusty husband, Tom, has patiently weathered my heightened anxiety, offering his unwavering support. I’m sure he’s as relieved as I am that those particularly stressful days are now firmly behind us! It’s truly amazing how quickly the grays seem to multiply and a good night’s sleep becomes a luxury when life throws you a few curveballs.

I’m incredibly happy to report that Sean’s surgery went smoothly on Monday evening. The real magic happened when I was there with him the next morning. He woke up, turned on the television, and was able to clearly read the screen without his glasses or contacts for the first time in years. Witnessing that moment of pure astonishment and joy in his eyes was truly an astonishing and heartwarming experience. It was a tangible realization of a long-held dream, and seeing his happiness made all the recent stress melt away like snow in spring.

With that immense wave of relief, I wanted to bring something equally bright, uplifting, and full of sunshine into our lives and into my kitchen. I sought something that always has the power to elevate my mood, no matter what challenges I might be facing. And what better way to do that than with this exquisite Blood Orange Curd? The vibrant, deep orange-red color alone is enough to perk you up during the depths of winter, isn’t it? It’s a visual and culinary testament to nature’s inherent beauty, delivering both eye-catching appeal and an incredibly delicious flavor profile.

Why Blood Orange Curd is Your Next Essential Winter Indulgence

If you’ve yet to experience the pure magic of blood orange curd, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite winter treat. This isn’t just any citrus curd; it’s a symphony of flavors that will awaken your palate. It’s wonderfully sweet, but balanced by a sophisticated tartness that prevents it from being overly sugary or cloying. Its texture is divinely smooth, velvety, and creamy, melting in your mouth with every spoonful. And perhaps best of all? Despite its gourmet appearance and taste, it’s incredibly easy to make right in your own kitchen with minimal fuss.

Beyond Lemon Curd: The Unique and Alluring Appeal of Blood Oranges

While classic lemon curd holds a special place in many hearts for good reason, blood orange curd offers a distinct and richer flavor profile that truly sets it apart. The blood orange, with its strikingly beautiful ruby-red flesh, brings a subtle hint of berry-like sweetness and a less aggressive, more mellow acidity compared to its yellow counterpart. This unique combination results in a more nuanced, complex, and utterly captivating curd, perfect for those looking to explore new citrus flavors during their peak seasonal availability. It’s a luxurious spread that feels wonderfully gourmet but requires surprisingly little effort to achieve, making it an impressive addition to any table.

Versatile Ways to Savor Your Homemade Blood Orange Curd

The possibilities for enjoying this vibrant and delicious curd are truly endless! Elevate your morning routine by spreading it generously on warm, crusty toast, flaky croissants, homemade scones, or buttery biscuits for an unparalleled breakfast experience. For a lighter touch, stir a dollop into your morning yogurt, cottage cheese, or oatmeal for a refreshing burst of flavor and eye-catching color. Beyond breakfast, it transforms into an elegant dessert component. Spoon it into these deliciously adorable store-bought shortbread tart shells for a simple yet sophisticated treat. They effortlessly transform a simple curd into the perfect little extra dessert for a ladies’ luncheon, a celebratory baby or bridal shower, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Of course, you absolutely have the option to bake your own homemade tart shells from scratch – and if you do, more power to your culinary ambition! However, since you’re already putting in the effort to create this exquisite homemade curd from scratch, it’s perfectly acceptable (and often a preferred time-saver!) to cut yourself some slack. These store-bought mini shortbread tart shells are truly wonderful, providing a delicate, buttery crunch that complements the creamy curd perfectly, and saving you a significant amount of time. I usually find them readily available at my local Fresh Market, but for those who might not have one nearby, you can often find similar high-quality options at specialty grocery stores like World Market, Sur La Table, or even online. For your convenience, here’s a link to a popular brand on Amazon that many people enjoy and trust.

The Art of Making Perfect Blood Orange Curd: A Step-by-Step Guide

Blood Orange Curd

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Prep Time: 5 mins |
Cook Time: 14 mins |
Total Time: 19 mins

(You can easily print this recipe directly from your browser’s print function!)

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed blood orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp. finely grated blood orange zest
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened and cubed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a large, heatproof stainless steel mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, additional egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined and slightly pale in color.
2. Add Citrus Flavors: Whisk in the fresh squeezed blood orange juice, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and the finely grated blood orange zest. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Set up Double Boiler: Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer (it should not be a rolling boil). Place the stainless steel bowl containing the curd mixture directly over the simmering water, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This creates a gentle, even heat for cooking.
4. Cook the Curd: Cook the curd mixture, stirring constantly and diligently with a whisk for about 10-12 minutes. Continue stirring until the curd visibly thickens to a consistency similar to hollandaise sauce or a thick custard, easily coating the back of a spoon. It’s crucial not to let the mixture boil, as this can curdle the eggs.
5. Incorporate Butter: Remove the bowl from the heat source. Immediately whisk in the softened and cubed unsalted butter, adding it piece by piece until it is completely melted and smoothly combined into the curd. This step creates that luxurious, glossy, and creamy texture.
6. Strain for Silkiness: For an exceptionally smooth and silky curd, strain the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jar. This step effectively removes any small bits of cooked egg or zest, ensuring a pristine finish.
7. Chill and Set: Cover the surface of the curd directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming as it cools. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly set, cold, and firm.
8. Serve and Store: Enjoy your exquisite homemade blood orange curd! It can be made up to three days in advance and stored beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips for the Best Blood Orange Curd

• Choose Ripe Blood Oranges: For the most flavor and vibrant color, select blood oranges that feel firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. The intensity of the red blush on the skin can vary, but a good weight is often a better indicator of quality.
• Zest First, Then Juice: Always remember to zest your oranges before juicing them. It’s significantly easier! Use a microplane zester to get only the colored part of the skin, carefully avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Constant Stirring is Key: When cooking the curd over the double boiler, continuous and consistent whisking is absolutely crucial. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a perfectly smooth, even consistency throughout the curd.
• Don’t Overcook: The curd will continue to thicken significantly as it cools. Remove it from the heat when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, not when it appears super thick in the bowl. Trust the cooling process!
• Proper Storage: Store your homemade blood orange curd in a clean, airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer preservation, it can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it gradually in the refrigerator before using.

Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!

If you make this irresistible Blood Orange Curd recipe, I’d absolutely love to see your beautiful creations! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @thebeachhousekitchen and tag your photos with #thebeachhousekitchen! Your culinary successes inspire us all.

Recipe adapted from the NYT Cooking.