THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY FLORIDA ORANGE JUICE; ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.
It’s funny, I think about this every Christmas (um, hello, it’s May – I know) but does anyone remember those oranges that were covered in chocolate? I honestly never tried one because growing up I just couldn’t wrap my head around the citrus-chocolate combination, but I was always so intrigued by those oranges. Were they real oranges covered in chocolate? Orange-flavored candy covered in chocolate? Just wedges of orange-scented chocolate?
I never really thought the combination sounded good until – get this – I actually tried it. And y’all? Orange and chocolate are just magical together!
You may be a version of younger me and unsure about it, but the delicate sweet citrus flavor from oranges and the bittersweet-creaminess of dark chocolate really do work wonders. The orange lightens the chocolate and the chocolate keeps the orange grounded. It’s crazy, and I know that if younger me had heard current me saying that I would have been giving blank stares left and right.
Here’s the deal: it works. These flavors make a whole new thing that you will definitely not be able to get enough of!
As we near the final stretch of the school year I find myself trying to figure out exactly what I’m going to be doing all day every day with my sweet boys. I remember last August being so sad that there would stretches of the day when I wouldn’t see them, although there were definitely times in the middle of summer I just needed a break. It was bittersweet to say the least, and since my older boy will be a full-fledged Kindergarten ninja next year I’m trying to figure out how to soak up the time we have together in the summer.
One thing I’ve always loved to do is cook and bake with my boys, but let’s get real here: doing that in the summertime when it’s insanely hot out anyway is not a walk in the park. But a quick zap in the microwave? Well, that I can do – and so can my kids. I’m a fan of always trying to incorporate their help into the things we make because it not only teaches them, but it shows them how enjoyable cooking really is. And for that I don’t think it’s too early to say YOU’RE WELCOME to my future daughters-in-law. Just sayin’!
When I partnered with Florida Orange Juice to come up with a recipe to celebrate National OJ Day I kept going back to that delicious orange-chocolate combo. I wanted it to be healthy but delectable, and I currently cannot get enough of sliced almonds and dried fruit. I’m so glad I chose to go with this combo because the flavors are fantastic, but the texture is SPOT ON. Smooth, creamy chocolate with a burst of bright orange, alongside the crunch of sliced almonds and chewy dried fruit? Well, it’s a match made in heaven. Trust me.
Another thing that’s easy to do (besides making truffles that is) is winning 1 of 5 six month meal delivery subscription services. Just share a photo of you and/or your family enjoying Florida Orange Juice on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #HowDoYouFLOJ (make sure on Insta you use the hashtag #sweepstakes as well) between 8am and 5pm EST. Check out the rules here! Let’s do this!
GRANOLA-STUFFED ORANGE-SCENTED DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES
Makes about 18 truffles
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chopped dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- zest from one orange
- 2/3 cup granola of choice OR your favorite combination of nuts and dried fruit
Directions:
- In a large microwave safe bowl combine the chocolate, Florida Orange Juice and coconut oil.
- Heat for 1 minute on high, then remove the bowl and whisk vigorously until the chocolate mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the orange zest and granola, then refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until the chocolate is set.
- Using a cookie scoop, scoop the chocolate into balls and then gently roll with your hands.
- It is just fine if the balls aren’t perfect; they are supposed to mimic the rustic look of wild truffles after all!
- Keep refrigerated or in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Serve cold.
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