Summer is just around the corner! As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, fresh seasonal foods, and vibrant flavours. 

In our garden, we have plenty of navel oranges, as always gave us so many fruits. So, I came up with one idea that really tastes amazing and is healthy for all dessert lovers.

Orange ball desserts are a delightful way to enjoy the bright, zesty flavours of oranges. They can be made for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. With their appealing colour and refreshing taste, these desserts will impress anyone with a sweet tooth! Below is the recipe that I made for my family and friends. All the ingredients you can buy them at your local Coles supermarket.

Ingredients:

– 2 oranges (preferably organic, since you’ll be using the skin)

– Water (for boiling)

– 1 cup almond meal

– 1 tablespoon stevia sugar (adjust to taste)

– 1/2 cup shredded fine coconut (unsweetened or sweetened, as desired)

– A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Oranges:

– Boil: Place the whole oranges in a pot of boiling water and boil for about 10 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness of the skin.

– Second Boil: Boil the oranges again for another 10 minutes. This second boiling further helps in softening the skin and reducing bitterness.

Prepare the Oranges for Blending:

– Peel: Once the oranges have cooled enough to handle, cut off the top and bottom ends of each orange and remove the skin. Be careful to remove as much of the white pith as possible, as it can be bitter.

– Remove Seeds: Check for any seeds and remove them.

Blend the Mixture:

– Place the peeled oranges in a blender and blend for about 1 minute until you have a rough puree add almond meal, sugar, shredded coconut, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.

Cook the Mixture:

– Pour the mixture into a non-stick frying pan (or any frying pan) over medium heat.

– Cook while stirring continuously to prevent burning. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

Check when it’s done:

– The mixture is ready when it holds together and can be easily rolled into balls. You can test this by scooping some out with a spoon and rolling it in your hands. If it holds its shape like a rum ball, it’s done!

Form the Balls:

– Once ready, take the mixture off the heat and let it cool slightly.

– Roll small portions of the mixture into balls using your hands.

Coat with Coconut:

– Roll each ball in the shredded coconut to coat them evenly.

Serve and Enjoy:

– Place the coated orange coconut balls on a plate or in a container and let them cool completely. Enjoy as a sweet snack or dessert!

Tips:

– Store the finished orange coconut balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

– You can experiment with additional flavourings, such as vanilla extract or a splash of orange liqueur, for added depth.

This recipe is not only delicious but also a fun way to utilise whole oranges, making it a great treat for gatherings or as a personal snack. Enjoy your cooking!