Spiced Fresh Orange and Honey Sorbet

I made this again to bring to my supper club meeting tonight. The theme was citrus and this sorbet was a big hit! The spices really enhance the flavor, and it was a nice ending to the meal.

Spiced Fresh Orange and Honey Sorbet
Bon Appétit January 2008

Makes about 4 cups

3 cups water
1 cup sugar
½ cup clover honey
2 tablespoons finely grated orange peel
1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
2 whole star anise or cardamom pods
2 cloves whole
1 small bay leaf, preferably fresh
2 cups chilled fresh orange juice
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Combine first 8 ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil until syrup is thick and mixture is reduced to 2 cups, about 12 minutes. Discard bay leaf; cool syrup.

Strain syrup into medium bowl. Add orange juice and lemon juice. Transfer to ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer sorbet to container, cover, and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours and up to 3 days.

MacGourmet Rating: 5 Stars