Winter is prime citrus season

Winter is prime season for citrus

It's pretty easy to feel blue on a dreary, colorless day in January. The fun and excitement of the holidays has dissipated, and even though the days are slowly growing longer, it seems like the sun is never again going to peek out from behind the clouds. It's nice to live in a place with four distinct seasons, but winter has a tendency to drag on and on, all the more so when there's no snow to pretty the landscape.

There is at least one cheerful perk of the cold winter months at mealtime: Juicy and colorful citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit are in peak season, and often on sale at the grocery store. Usually sweet and sometimes tangy, citrus fruits are little balls of sunshine that brighten the culinary landscape in ways a winter squash or bag of Brussels sprouts cannot. They also provide a healthful shot of vitamin C and other antioxidants that can help ward off a case of the sniffles or flu. High in fiber, citrus also helps you feel full (good for weight management after holiday weight gain) and aids with digestion.

Another plus: While a lot of citrus is eaten raw, out of hand, or squeezed into juice, it also can be used to add a bit of zing to baked goods or entrees.

Four citrus-packed recipes

Take the humble lemon, for instance. In addition to tenderizing meat and adding much-needed acid to a salad dressing or vinaigrette, lemons can bring a vibrant pop of flavor to a simple pasta sauce. Oranges are similarly equal opportunity. A terrific base for a good-for-you smoothie or fruit-forward cocktail, oranges also go beautifully in salads, are great for marinades and add a bright, summery touch to cookies, cakes, quick breads and so much more.

With that in mind, we think these four citrus-packed recipes are bound to become seasonal favorites. Instead of a traditional marinara, dress your favorite pasta in a vibrant lemon sauce made with lemon, Parmesan, cream and garlic. Forgo the tomato salsa for one that marries tangy grapefruit, creamy avocado and the punch of red onion. In lieu of ketchup or barbecue sauce, slather your burger or dip your fries in a fresh and punchy aioli that hangs its hat on fresh lime juice and zest. And for dessert? Why opt for canned pineapple when an upside-down orange cake made with fresh fruit is just as easy? We've got a recipe for an easy cornmeal cake topped with a circle of fresh orange slices that are caramelized and candied as they bake in the batter.

Recipes for Winter Citrus Delights

Pasta al Limone: A vibrant sauce made with lemon, Parmesan, cream, and garlic that adds a burst of flavor to your favorite pasta.

Fish Tacos with Grapefruit Salsa: A non-traditional salsa combining tart and refreshing grapefruit, creamy avocado, fresh lime juice, and a little jalapeno for heat.

Lime Aioli: A zesty aioli made with mayonnaise, nonfat plain yogurt, grated lime zest and juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, and minced cilantro. Perfect for seafood, veggie burgers, or hard-boiled eggs.

Upside-Down Orange Cornmeal Cake: An easy cornmeal cake topped with caramelized and candied fresh orange slices.