Citrus Celebration
Published in Lee’s Summit Lifestyle July 2021
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Citrus Celebration
I have a real thing for citrus. If you’ve followed me for a while I’m sure you’ve picked up on that by now! I use dried citrus from tree to table for the holidays and in the warmer months I switch to fresh citrus of all kinds. This party is one that I had the honor of putting together for a friends babyshower. However, you could also use this same idea for a birthday party, wedding shower or any event that needs to be dolled up a bit. This is one of the advantages of using citrus as a theme… you can incorporate citrus into almost anything, any time of year!
Mimosa Bar
For this Citrus themed party I made a “Make your own Mimosa” table. Here guests could pick up a pre-filled glass of orange juice and “choose their sparkle” by topping it off with their choice of Champagne or sparkling juice. It's a crowd pleaser and such a beautiful display! I love when my guests can serve themselves in this way as it makes for an activity as well as a refreshment.
Keep your Champagne and Sparkling juice cold in a DIY ice bucket (an ice bucket made from ice!). You’ve seen me do this before during the holidays with my ice bucket of evergreens and cranberries. For this summer version, I used slices of citrus, fresh bay leaves and white baby's breath flowers. Go to @silvertoothhome for instructions on how to assemble an ice bucket of your own.
Citrus Party Menu
Like any great movie you want to have character development. It is far more interesting when a theme unfolds rather than in-your-face obvious. It is the same with a party theme. Don’t spell it out for your guests, let them walk into the story! With a citrus centered party theme, everything on your menu doesn’t need to be citrus flavored. Rather, think about how to incorporate the similar colors, textures, and smells. Shrimp cocktails at a citrus party is the perfect example of this- it shares the same color as citrus but isn’t citrus itself.
Shrimp Cocktail
Marinated Olives with rosemary
Mimosa Bar
Lemon Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Lemons
Homemade Marshmallows (recipe below)
Parting Gifts
Parting gifts aren’t necessary to a party but if included makes your guests feel extra cared for. For these parting gifts I made homemade marshmallows, tucked into small white boxes trimmed with twine, dried orange and fresh bay leaf. Homemade marshmallows are far from the store bought kind. They are fancy enough to wrap up as gifts and just as great to use for your next campfire s’mores.
Marshmallow Recipe
Vegetable Spray
2 cups confectioners sugar (plus more as needed)
6, 1/4oz envelopes powdered unflavored gelatin
3 cups granulated sugar
2 cups light corn syrup
½ teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup cornstarch
Prepare a 9 by 12 baking pan by lining with foil. Make sure that the foil is long enough to line the bottom, sides, PLUS hang over the outside edges. Spray foil with vegetable oil. Dust oiled foil generously with confectioners sugar. Set pan aside
In your mixer bowl, add 1 cup of water. Very slowly sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly around the surface of the water. It is important to take the time to sprinkle the gelatin slowly in order for it to completely absorb the water. Set aside.
In a large saucepan combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves and temperature reaches 240 degrees fahrenheit. Remove from the heat and let stand briefly.
Turn the mixer onto its slowest speed and SLOWLY pour the hot sugar into the gelatin by letting it run down the side of the mixing bowl to avoid splashing. Do not touch the outside of your mixing bowl, it will be VERY hot! Once incorporated, gradually increase the mixer speed to high and beat 10-12min until the mixture is cooled and thickened. Beat in vanilla.
Take the mixture and work quickly to scrape it into the prepared lined pan. Use a spatula that has been sprayed with vegetable oil or wet fingers before touching the mixture to avoid mess. After the mixture is in the pan, smooth the surface with wet fingertips. Cover with a thick layer of 1 part confectioners sugar and 1 part cornstarch (be generous!). Cover the pan with a lid or foil and set on the counter overnight.
Once set, you’re ready to cut your marshmallows into squares. To cut, remove the layer of sugar and cornstarch. Lift the foil to remove the marshmallow from the pan. Generously dust your work surface with confectioners sugar. Spray a knife with vegetable oil and cut marshmallow into generously sized squares. Enjoy!
