The spring season is finally upon us, even though Mother Nature gifted us with snow and low temperatures on the first day of Spring. Thankfully the temperatures will rise again because we are so very ready for the season of warmer days, blossoming flowers, and delicious citrus flavors…especially the citrus flavors. Over the past few weeks, we’ve found ourselves becoming addicted to the sweet, seedless, and super easy to peel Wonderful Halos Mandarins. These all natural, non-GMO, California mandarins are not only the perfect snack, they’re wonderfully delicious in recipes. Of course, just because they are the right size for kids’ hands doesn’t mean we adults can’t enjoy them (like we’ve been doing).
The Wonderful Halos mandarins come in two varieties: Clementines, which are available from November to January, and W. Murcott Afourers which are available from February to April, allowing you to enjoy this sweet and healthy alternative to fatty foods fruit, six months out of the year. In celebration of spring, we’re sharing some delicious recipes featuring these sweet little balls of sunshine. Of course you can also enjoy them on their own, especially as they’re only 50 calories and provide 45% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin C.
Wonderful Halos Smoothie Pops
Prep: 10 minutes | Time to Table: 5 hours | Serves 12
Wonderful Halos Smoothie Pops with Mango
4 Wonderful Halos mandarins, peeled
1 cup pineapple, diced
½ cup banana, sliced
1 cup mango, diced
1 tablespoon flax meal
¾ cup vanilla yogurt
Extra Wonderful Halos mandarin segments
Wonderful Halos Smoothie Pops with Strawberry
5 Wonderful Halos mandarins, peeled
½ cup pineapple
½ cup banana, sliced
1¼ cups strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon flax meal
¾ cup vanilla yogurt
Extra Wonderful Halos mandarin segments
For each flavor, combine all ingredients in the pitcher of a blender. Cover and blend on high speed until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour into ice pop molds and add extra Wonderful Halos mandarin segments to each pop; insert sticks. Freeze until solid, remove from molds and serve immediately or store in a zip lock bag in the freezer.
Wonderful Halos Prosciutto Bruschetta Bites
Prep: 20 minutes | Time to Table: 45 minutes | Makes 25
1 cup Wonderful Halos mandarin segments, roughly chopped
1 baguette, sliced and toasted olive oil, bowl for brushing baguette
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups shallots, sliced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup white balsamic vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds
13 slices prosciutto
1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Heat oven to 375ºF. Slice baguette thinly, brush with olive oil and bake until just toasted. Let cool. Make Wonderful Halos mandarin chutney: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the shallot and salt in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft and translucent, about 20 minutes. Add the vinegar, brown sugar, bay leaf and coriander seeds and let simmer until vinegar is reduced and almost gone. Add the Wonderful Halos mandarin segments and stir; remove from heat. Top toasted baguette slices with a ½ slice of prosciutto, a spoonful of the Wonderful Halos mandarin chutney and sprinkle with hazelnuts and thyme.
Spiced Merry Mandarin Cider
Prep: 10 minutes | Time to Table: 20 minutes | Serves 4
1½ cups Wonderful Halos mandarins, juiced
1½ cups apple juice
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup water
¼ cup sugar
1 stick of cinnamon
1 star anise
1 teaspoon whole allspice
Thinly sliced Wonderful Halos mandarins for garnish
Juice Wonderful Halos mandarins and lemons. Strain out pulp and set aside. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until sugar has dissolved and juices are hot. Serve garnished with a thinly sliced Wonderful Halos mandarin.
Wonderful Halos Mandarin & Quinoa Chicken Bowls
Prep: 15 minutes | Time to Table: 30 minutes | Serves 4
4 Wonderful Halos mandarins, peeled and segmented
1 cup quinoa
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
¾ teaspoon ground cumin
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups baby spinach
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
1 scallion, sliced
Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette
¼ cup lime juice
1 garlic clove, sliced in half
2 tablespoons honey
3 teaspoons adobo sauce, from canned chipotle in adobo
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup olive oil
Cook quinoa according to package directions and set aside to cool. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Mix together the salt, chili powder, and cumin and rub on chicken. Grill chicken on both sides until cooked through; set aside to cool, then slice.
To make the chipotle lime vinaigrette: Whisk together the lime juice, garlic, honey, adobo sauce, salt and olive oil. Then discard halved garlic cloves. Peel Wonderful Halos mandarins and separate segments. Spoon quinoa into 4 bowls. Top each bowl with some spinach, black beans, bell pepper, avocado, Wonderful Halos mandarin segments and sliced chicken. Drizzle each with vinaigrette and sprinkle with scallions to serve.
Tip: If making ahead for lunch, pack vinaigrette separately so bowl stays fresh
Now that we’ve gotten a variety of family-friendly recipes to enjoy Wonderful Halos, here’s a fun way you and your children can enjoy this kid-friendly fruit this Easter. For some fun Easter crafting, paint your Halos just like you would paint your Easter eggs, or stick bunny ears on your Halos for an easy, cute, and healthy decoration that will vitalize your easter basket.
As you can see, these are quite simple and easy to make. For those of you who want to have a bit more fun, check out the below adorable DIY, Wonderful Halos Easter Crafts, and links to recreate them at home:
Bunny Pouch – http://www.halosfun.com/halos-blog/wonderful-halos-easter-crafts-halos-bunny-pouch/
Mini Baskets – http://www.halosfun.com/halos-blog/wonderful-halos-easter-crafts-halos-mini-basket/
Easter Buddy – http://www.halosfun.com/halos-blog/wonderful-halos-easter-crafts-halos-easter-buddy/
Wonderful Halos are available in 2-count, 3lb, and 5lb bags, as well as a 5lb box, at the following stores: Shoprite, Aldi’s, Whole Foods, Target, Costco, Food Lion, etc.
