Christmas Oranges in the Stocking

Published on December 11, 2009

A winter luxury, oranges have made their way into the toes of Christmas stockings since before World War II. As rare and delectable mid-rations treats, the fresh fruit signaled prosperity and the hope of a brighter future.

This year, in honor of the traditional holiday citrus, add a few orange-laden sweets to your holiday stocking. Toss in a batch of these simple candied orange peels, bring together the classic flavors of chocolate and orange in these fragrant madeleines, or skip the stocking all together, and snack on this moist Middle Eastern orange cake. Whichever way you get your Christmas orange this year, take a trip back to the not-so-distant past, and savor the juicy flavor of this once-scarce winter fruit.