Kiwi Tart
You may be surprised to learn that kiwis reach their absolute best during the winter months. The fruit peaks around Valentine’s Day, offering an extra dose of tropical sweetness. To get the most out of the natural beauty of kiwi, try topping a classic tart with loads of kiwi and fresh whipped cream.
- Pro Tip: Interested in other kiwi dishes? Click here!
Chocolate Dipped Mandarins
Take a hint from chocolate covered strawberries with this citrus centered recipe from our friends at Bee Sweet Citrus. The pairing of mandarin oranges and semi-sweet chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven and it’s ready in a flash! Simply dip mandarin segments in melted chocolate and then freeze to allow the chocolate to harden.
Broiled Grapefruit
Love citrus but want to try something different this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. Broiled grapefruit is reminiscent of crème brûlée but much easier to prepare; most recipes only require you to brush your grapefruit in a sugar/butter mixture and then toss in the oven until it caramelizes. Consider pairing with ice cream for an intriguing mixture of textures.
Caramelized Opal Apples
We’re fans of this recipe from First Fruits because it can be served on its own or added to ice cream for an added burst of flavor. Better yet, you can whip the dish out in fifteen minutes or less!
- Pro Tip: Learn more about what makes opal apples great here.
Cactus Pear Sorbet
For an extra exotic treat that matches Valentine’s Day colors, bring out the cactus pears! The holiday arrives smack dab in the middle of cactus pear’s peak season, bringing its unique sweetness with it. Cactus pear sorbet is a great dessert to keep on hand for eaters with dietary restrictions because it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. Check out our tips on selection and preparation to make sure your fruit shines.
- Pro Tip: Add in popsicle sticks for a bite-sized treat!
Orange Upside-Down Cake
When in doubt, bust out the classics. This orange upside down cake recipe from Sunkist is guaranteed to impress your patrons this Valentine’s Day, but it will also impress the waste conscious chef; this cake uses both the fruit and zest of navel oranges to great effect!
- Pro Tip: Click here to discover other ways to use oranges from peel to seed.