Winter Citrus–Clove Refrigerator Dressing Base

Winter Citrus–Clove Refrigerator Dressing Base

A bright, aromatic, no-water-bath recipe for winter salads, roasted vegetables, and holiday meals

Winter may bring short days and heavy meals, but it also delivers one of the season’s greatest culinary gifts: citrus at its peak. Sweet oranges, fragrant lemons, and cold-weather herbs add welcome brightness to the richness of December and January cooking.

This Winter Citrus–Clove Refrigerator Dressing Base is your new go-to flavor booster a concentrated, aromatic mixture designed to elevate everything from simple winter greens to roasted root vegetables. It requires no water bath processing, making it ideal for beginners and busy cooks. And with the help of your Hungry Artisan 8-Piece Canning Essentials Kit, you can prepare and store small batches beautifully and safely.

🍊 Why This Recipe Shines in Winter

  • Uses peak-season citrus for maximum flavor and freshness

  • Adds brightness to heavy holiday dishes

  • Safe and easy, requires refrigeration only

  • A modern alternative to traditional dressings and vinaigrettes

  • Perfect for meal prep or gifting in beautifully labeled jars

This dressing base is not meant to replace a full vinaigrette, instead, it serves as your aromatic foundation. Just whisk with olive oil when ready to serve.

🍋 Ingredients (Yields 3 small jars)

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

  • ¼ cup lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest

  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a deeper winter flavor)

  • 2 tbsp finely grated shallot

  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard

  • ⅛ tsp ground clove

  • Pinch of sea salt

  • Optional: 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

🧡 Instructions (No Water Bath Required)

1️⃣ Warm the Base Gently

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, zest, honey, shallot, mustard, clove, and salt.
Warm over low heat just until honey dissolves, do not simmer or boil.

This keeps citrus flavors fresh and bright.

2️⃣ Fill the Jars Using Your Hungry Artisan Kit

Use the Hungry Artisan wide-mouth funnel to pour the mixture into clean jars.
Leave ½ inch of headspace.

This keeps your jars neat, prevents spills, and ensures proper storage.

3️⃣ Cap & Refrigerate

Use your magnetic lid lifter to place lids cleanly onto jars.
Tighten lightly and refrigerate immediately.

This dressing base keeps up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

🥗 How to Use Your Citrus–Clove Dressing Base

✔ Bright Winter Salad Dressing

Whisk 1 tbsp dressing base with 2 tbsp olive oil.

✔ Roasted Vegetable Glaze

Brush onto roasted carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.

✔ Citrus Pan Sauce

Stir into chicken drippings with butter for a fast, glossy glaze.

✔ Holiday Grain Bowls

Mix with warm farro, kale, dried cranberries, and goat cheese.

✔ Marinade Booster

Add to chicken or salmon marinades for a quick flavor lift.

This small jar becomes a workhorse in winter kitchens, simple, bright, and beautiful.

Why Use the Hungry Artisan Canning Essentials Kit?

Your 8-piece kit ensures:

  • Clean, safe filling using the jar funnel

  • Easy lid placement with the magnetic lifter

  • Accurate headspace with the measuring tool

  • Proper sealing without contamination

  • Beautiful presentation with the included labels

It’s everything you need for modern small-batch preserving, especially refrigerator-safe recipes like this one.

👉 Shop the Hungry Artisan 8-Piece Canning Kit:

 

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