I have some very exciting news to share with all of you! On Monday, the wonderful folks over at Channel 6 San Diego asked me to a do a segment on the San Diego Living show! I decided to feature two recipes that would help home cooks build some Konfidence in the kitchen using an ingredient they might be unfamiliar with, the blood orange. Exploring unfamiliar ingredients is definitely one way to learn and grow in the kitchen.
Several years ago my recipe repertoire consisted of baked chicken, brown rice, tomato sauce and spaghetti, pizza and chili. For reals. I distinctly remember the day when I thought to myself, “Gosh, I am so bored with cheese and pepperoni pizzas right now.” To remedy the situation I jumped on the Food Network website looking for some pizza inspiration. The daring recipe that I found that day was not only a delicious deviation from my norm, it also sparked my curiosity for food and cooking. Continue reading for the rest of my story, the video and a recipe for the most amazing Blood Orange Gin Sparkler.
As dirty dishes, cutting boards, knives and baking sheets piled up around my kitchen, I gleefully assembled the unfamiliar recipe – Roasted Acorn Squash and Gorgonzola Pizza. The first bite was heaven. I had never even cooked an acorn squash before, but somehow I managed to roast it with maple syrup, chili flake and olive oil then pair it with gorgonzola and arugula. I was hooked. My passion for food ignited. I remember thinking to myself, “Well… what else am I missing out on?!” I continued to explore new ingredients and recipes in the years following, and that spirit of exploration is still alive in me today. Meyer lemons, figs, kabocha squash, chanterelle mushrooms, fennel, black cardamom, farro, Mexican chocolate and blood oranges are all products that were once unknown to me. Now, we are all well acquainted.
So if you are looking to gain more Konfidence in the kitchen, I urge you to introduce yourself to an ingredient that you are unfamiliar with. Try a new recipe. You may fail. Actually… you will fail. I’ve had many flops over the years. Simply keep trying.
And here’s the video :)! Kristen Mosteller, one of the hosts of San Diego Living, and I put together this Blood Orange Gin Sparkler, and I also show off my Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake.
A big thanks to the team over at Channel 6! This was such a fun experience. I am looking forward to doing some more shows in the future!
Blood Orange Gin Sparkler
Ingredients
For the rosemary-bay simple syrup:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, no stems
- 1 fresh bay leaf, dried is fine if you can't find a fresh one
For the cocktail:
- 1 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 1/2 oz. gin
- 1/4 oz rosemary-bay simple syrup, or to taste
- 1 1/2 oz. sparkling water
- Small wedges of blood orange, for garnish
Instructions
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To make the rosemary-bay simple syrup, add white sugar, water, fresh rosemary leaves and bay leaf to a small, heavy-bottomed pan. Warm over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil, bubble for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Steep for 10 minutes then strain out the rosemary and bay. Discard solids. Let cool completely before using.
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To make the cocktail, fill a short glass with ice then add freshly squeezed blood orange juice, gin and rosemary-bay simple syrup, stirring to chill and combine. Top off with sparkling water. Give the drink one last gentle stir then garnish with a small wedge of blood orange.
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Anna says
Wow! Congrats! It’s like a big deal for a blogger, no? 🙂
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Anna! I like to think it’s a big deal 🙂
Ann P says
It was awesome to watch that clip! It’s so great seeing your passion bring you success! I’m really happy for that, plus the fact that when you have your own TV show and line of salad dressings, I’ll get to play hipster and say I read your blog even before you were famous. 😉
Brandon Matzek says
HA!! Thanks Ann.
Culinary Cache says
First off, congrats on the Channel 6 appearance!! Second, this drink looks delicious and super refreshing. Great post!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks! It is super refreshing. The acidity of the orange and the effervescence of the water provide a nice snap 🙂
David says
Where did you get the Blood Oranges here in San Diego? … Been trying to find since Christmas.
Thanks …
Brandon Matzek says
I know Whole Foods and Ralph’s have blood oranges at the moment. Enjoy!
David says
Thanks …. Stopping by tonight to get some!
Tim Jordan says
I admire your creativity and sense of adventure in cooking. Well done, Brandon! I used to be so into cooking & everyone always said I was such a good cook when all I ever did well was follow the recipe directions well. These days we order in more than not. Never lose that passion!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Congrats, Brandon!! That’s awesome! You’re getting more famous by the day…from West Elm demos to shooting the book to a TV appearance. Major congrats to you!!!!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Averie!
PS. I’m going to head over to your site soon to check out the photo(s). Can’t wait to see what you picked!
Jen Choi says
I am so happy for you! You’re a natural in front of the camera.
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Jen!!
Carrie Hamilton says
EEEEEK! I’m so proud of you! You look great! The food looks great! Congratulations!!
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
Congratulations on your TV appearance!!!!
I was sure to buzz this because I adore all things blood orange 🙂
[email protected] says
Wow!! How awesome that you got o be on TV!! These sparklers sounds so refreshing!! Love being introduced to a new cocktail!
The Chocolate Priestess says
Congrats on your TV appearance.
We just had our first video interview that I’m very proud of and hope you check out plus the giveaway attached to it.
Eliot says
Impressive! You did great. Hope this does pan out to more appearance opportunities for you. Love this cocktail. Great recipe (as always!).
Kooky Girl Blog says
Well done! That is so cool.
Kelly Anderson says
I never really used to cocktails. After seeing this one, I could say that I wanted to make one for the first time. Maybe this one, what do you think? Nice, right?