Honey Sweetened Orange Curd

I eat an orange almost every other day through out the winter.  However, I like oranges less when they are turned into things...like juice (I hate orange juice...so odd, I know), Popsicles, cakes, sherbet, marmalade, etc.  But in the interest of liking oranges other than just in their natural state (which I don't think there is anything wrong with that at all!) I tried my hand at an orange curd that I sweetened with honey rather than sugar.

I was a little unsure of the results....considering my long history of not liking orange concoctions.  Even though I used honey I still got a good consistency in the fruit curd and it has a sort of light cloud like orange-y taste.

I wasn't sold on it until I did a round of taste testing with family and friends.

It was a hit!

I still like oranges just as they are.  Oh, if only I grow oranges in New Jersey.

Honey Sweetened Orange Curd 
{this is a freezer recipe}

1/2 cup light colored (and local) honey
1/2 orange zest
1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed (3-4 oranges)
1 stick + 1/2 stick butter (3/4 cup)
5 egg yolks
3 whole eggs

You're going to need a double boiler type set up.  I use a bowl and pot set up because I lack a double boiler big enough for curd recipes.  Fill the bottom of pot with a small amount of water (in my case so the bowl doesn't touch the water when sitting inside the pot).

Wash fruit and zest away!  Measure honey and add orange zest.  Give it a stir and sit to the side.

Juice oranges into bowl.  In separate bowl whisk eggs together.  Then add  to orange juice, stirring to combine completely.  

Add honey and zest mixture to bowl along with butter.  Place bowl into the pot (or place top of double boiler on bottom half), raise heat (not too high though), and stir continuously.  You don't want scrambled eggs!

Stir frequently until the orange curd reaches 170 degrees on candy thermometer.  Strain mixture to remove pulp (this is optional but I think it makes the curd so much better).  Then you're done! Pour into freezer safe containers and store for up to 1 year.