This sweet, tart and creamy Blood Orange Curd is a winter favorite. Perfect with breakfast or as a dessert!
Hi guys! Today, I’m sharing a little bit of sunshine!
I just returned from a quick trip to my favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina. This was not one of my usual relaxing, stress-free trips though. I went with a specific purpose this time. Our oldest son Sean was having LASIK surgery, something he has wanted for years.
So between Casey leaving for Bali and Shanghai and Sean having surgery, as a mother, you can imagine my stress level has been quite high for the past few weeks. The grays have been coming in like nobody’s business and a good nights sleep has been hard to come by. I’m sure my husband Tom, who has had to put up with me, is ecstatic the last few weeks are now a thing of the past!
I’m happy to say, Sean’s surgery on Monday evening went fine! To be there with Sean when he woke up the next morning, turned on the television, and could actually read the screen without his glasses or contacts was absolutely amazing!
So today, I wanted to share something bright and full of sunshine. Something that always elevates my mood no matter what my stress level. This Blood Orange Curd is a winter favorite. The color guys! Such the perfect perk up during the winter season, right?
If you’ve never tried blood orange curd, I highly recommend it. It’s sweet, but not overly so, smooth and creamy and incredibly easy to make. It tastes wonderful smeared on toast, croissants, a scone or a biscuit, mixed into your morning yogurt or spooned into these deliciously adorable shortbread tart shells. They make for the perfect little extra dessert for a ladies luncheon or shower.
Of course, you can make homemade tart shells, but since you made homemade curd cut yourself some slack and try these because they’re wonderful. I get them from my local Fresh Market, but here’s a link just in case you don’t live near one. I think they may also be available at World Market and Sur La Table.
I hope you give this curd a try! You won’t be disappointed. And while you’re enjoying it, think SPRING!
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. finely grated blood orange zest
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened and cubed
Instructions
- In a large stainless steel mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks and granulated sugar. Whisk in the blood orange juice, lemon juice and blood orange zest.
- Bring a pot of water to a simmer. Place bowl over simmering water and cook curd, while stirring with a whisk. Continue to cook until curd begins to thicken, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Whisk in butter until melted and well combined.
- Strain the curd through a fine mesh sieve. Chill for at least 2 hours before enjoying. You can make the curd three days in advance.
Recipe adapted from the NYT Cooking
annie@ciaochowbambina
So happy to know that the surgery went well! I can imagine your relief! We’ve been staring out at sunshine for the past few days, but woke this morning to snow! This gorgeous curd has come at a perfect time! Have a great weekend, MaryAnn!
Mary Ann
So happy it’s over Annie. I was so nervous for Sean. This curd is so easy, you’re going to love it! And those little tarts I found at my Fresh Market are perfect with it! Happy weekend!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food
Awesome to hear that the surgery went well, Mary Ann! I had Lasik done about 10 years ago now. So amazing how that works, isn’t it? I absolutely love lemon curd, but have never used blood oranges for curd and I do love blood oranges. The colour is absolutely gorgeous and how could it not put a smile on your face?? Pinned and looking forward to trying soon. Have a fantastic weekend, my friend! xo
Mary Ann
It’s crazy how one day you can’t see, and BOOM in a quick surgery your vision is perfect. You should definitely give this one a go Dawn. It’s so easy and so delicious! Thanks for pinning and hope you enjoy! You have an awesome weekend too! XO
Chris Scheuer
These are just too pretty for words! And I think they would definitely cure any problems! At least for me :)
Mary Ann
The curd is soooo easy Chris. And those little tarts are delish! Happy weekend!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I have made lots of curds over the years, but not blood orange. Yet :) Definitely trying this. That colour is beautiful and I can only image the taste!
Mary Ann
Then you definitely need to give it a try Jennifer! The color is always sooo pretty! Enjoy!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
This has me so anxious for spring!!!!!
Mary Ann
Me too Jennifer! Counting the days!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
Citrus curd is so bright and fun and using blood oranges is even better, love that color!
Mary Ann
Yes, that color Gina! An instant perk up right?!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
I’m thrilled to hear your son’s surgery went well and now he can see crystal clear without glasses or contacts! It’s amazing how far the medical field has come!! This blood orange curd is the perfect celebration! The color alone is just gorgeous, but I bet it tastes absolutely amazing! Blood oranges are a favorite around here! Can’t wait to try it! Pinned! Cheers!
Mary Ann
Oh Chey, what a load off my mind!! It really is amazing. This curd really does taste delicious, and it’s so easy to make. Hope you enjoy it.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
So happy to hear that the surgery went well and it’s over. We stress so much for our kids, don’t we? I am obsessed with all things blood orange and I’m always trying to think of new ways to use it. This is such a creative idea! Love it!
Mary Ann
So happy it’s behind us Karen! I know you know exactly how it feels to worry for your child. It’s our job, but it isn’t easy! You’d love this curd. It’s great for breakfast or for dessert! Enjoy!
Michele @ Bacon Fatte
I bet your son is thrilled with his new view on the world! How wonderful! I’m sure he loves the bright, beautiful color of your blood orange curd as much as the rest of us do… It looks amazing! Now go put your feet up and enjoy some R & R, my dear… You’ve earned it!
Mary Ann
He really is Michele! I plan on relaxing all weekend! I hope you do too.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I’m so glad your son’s surgery went well! What a relief! This blood orange curd is so totally gorgeous I’m adding blood oranges to my shopping list right now. Thank you for sharing!
Mary Ann
Thank you Kelsie! Definitely give this one a try! You’ll love it!
Debs
Love this Mary Ann! Such a nice alternative to the usual lemon curd!
Glad to hear that Sean’s surgery went well. As a wearer of glasses, can’t imagine how awesome it would be to just wake up one day and not need them!!!
Mary Ann
Thanks Debs! He’s very happy! And so am I! Happy weekend.
Amisha
Gorgeous shots! I love blood orange curd, and make it in the winter. Tarts are fun to make with it! That color is so pretty!
Good to know you are feeling better in terms of stress ! :)
Mary Ann
Thanks Amisha! Now if only I could make this curd into a tart like the one you made! Now that was spectacular!
Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef
I am so glad Sean’s basic surgery went well. I still have some blood oranges in the fridge. Making your curd would be a great way to use them. Have a relaxing weekend.
Mary Ann
Me too Gerlinde! Now I can definitely relax this weekend! Hope you can too!
Caroline
Glad to hear your son’s surgery went well and that it’s behind you all now. No matter how old they get, we still worry about them, don’t we? I’m the same way. This is just gorgeous, Mary Ann! I love blood oranges and the color of this curd is so beautiful and springy! Those little tarts are adorable!
Mary Ann
I know Caroline! I thought as they grew older I wouldn’t worry as much, but that’s not the case! I was so excited to find those shortbread tarts at Fresh Market. Sometimes you just need a shortcut. Happy weekend!
Tieghan
This is so pretty1 I love the color! :)
Mary Ann
Thanks Tieghan!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
You are such a good mama to go with him – I had Lasik years ago, and while it changed my life in a miraculous way, it was a scary day! You totally deserve a whole plate of this blood orange deliciousness all for yourself. :)
Mary Ann
It was so nerve wracking wasn’t it Kate?? But the outcome…wow! Years of wearing contacts and glasses over. I’m so excited for him to be able to see at the beach when he gets out of the ocean this summer! I take it for granted, but I’ll never know what it was like for him. So happy!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
That color is just gorgeous and your adorable little tarts are truly rays of sunshine!
Mary Ann
I’m a sucker for the color too Laura! It’s such a cheery winter color!
Kevin | Keviniscooking
This looks so delicate and I bet it tastes just as amazing as it looks. I haven’t seen any blood oranges in my area, need to keep an eye out, would love this with strawberries!
Hope your son’s lasik went well MaryAnn. Have a great weekend!
Mary Ann
Thanks Kevin! It did. It’s really just amazing to me how it works! I hope you can get your hands on some blood oranges. This is so easy to make and so tasty for so many different things. Have a fabulous weekend!
Cindy
This is great news. I remember the post where you said goodbye to your son as he was off on his venture. And, geeze another hard moment with the other one having eye surgery? Thank goodness all is ok. Get rest, and hopefully the coming weeks will bring sunshine galore. I would love to try this curd with one of my desserts too. Maybe a lovely filling. Thinking… thinking…
Mary Ann
Yes, good news all around Cindy! I’ve spoken to Casey in Shanghai too and he’s doing great! When my boys are happy, I’m happy! I hope you try this curd ! You’ll love it! Happy weekend!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I’m glad all is well in your household. Hopefully you can have a little less stress now. Citrus always reminds me of sunshine. I love blood oranges but only have them once or twice a year. This curd looks amazing!
Mary Ann
Me too Kathy! Yes, it reminds me of sunshine and warmer temps too Kathy!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
This looks wonderful, Mary Ann. I’ve never made curd before – so this is inspiring me. We’ve finally had a wet winter here and every neighbor’s orange tree is overflowing with fruit – I may have to sneak out at night and “borrow” some! And glad to know the lasik was a success- something I’ve been wanting to do. I did Invisalign braces last year and it was so easy and worked so well – wish I had done it ages ago. Happy weekend!
Mary Ann
You should definitely try this recipe then Geraldine after you borrow a few oranges. It’s so easy and so delicious. Yes, I’m so glad that surgery is behind us. I have a few friends that tried Invisalign and I’ve been meaning to look into it. Now, you’ve inspired me. Enjoy your weekend!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
I’m glad everyone is doing great. There is no kind of stress like a mama worrying about her babies. I absolutely love that you made curd from blood oranges. Genius!
Mary Ann
No there definitely isn’t! I’ve gotten many a gray hair over the years from my boys! But lots of good things too! Give this curd a try Rachelle. You’d love it!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Citrus curds are delicious and your pretty blood orange one is oh so pretty…it does remind you of spring. The little tarts would be lovely to serve for Easter.
Mary Ann
Thank you so much Karen. It really does have me yearning for spring and warmer weather! Counting the days! Yes, perfect for Easter. Hope you have a great week.
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife
Ummm…yes PLEASE Mary Ann!!! I’ve been craving everything blood orange!!
Mary Ann
Me too Rebecca!