1/3/15

Arizona Citrus

And as we slowly ease into the new year I find myself dreaming of warm temps, sunshine, and citrus. All this because we just returned from a Christmas holiday with family ~ way out west in the Arizona desert.
Photo | Lisa Porter
On this trip, I started a new morning routine.
Photo | Lisa Porter
Picking fruit.
Just steps off the patio of the ranch house where we stayed!
Photo | Lisa Porter
 In Arizona's warmer regions, citrus trees are a yard or garden staple. In the Bluegrass of Kentucky, they are not. Among the most gorgeous desert botanical landscape were grapefruit, orange and lemon trees. Lot's of them!
Photo | Lisa Porter
The heady fragrance of citrus brings back childhood memories of running through orchards in Arcadia ~ zigzagging past whitewashed tree trunks ~ while playing outside with friends.
Photo | Lisa Porter
Freshly picked grapefruit adds the perfect shade of pink to the back patio.
Photo | Lisa Porter
Photo | Lisa Porter
Oranges, grapefruit & lemons oh my!
Photo | Lisa Porter
The fruit was not enough. I snipped the branches of waxy green leaves too. They were a welcome addition to the Equipal table on the sun porch!
Photo | Lisa Porter
On the last day, I rested ~ at the Spa at Camelback Inn ~ overlooking Camelback mountain.
Relaxing at the Spa at Camelback Inn overlooking Camelback Mountain Photo | Lisa Porter
I dreamt of all those orchards that used to fill up the valley of the sun & the last few handpicked grapefruit I, unfortunately, had to leave behind.
Camelback_Mountain_Arcadia_1956
Speaking of ~
Click to watch SEE SALT TV
Whether you're in Arizona, Kentucky, or wherever, this Broiled Grapefruit Recipe by Jessica Helgeson over at SEE SALT will put you in a very happy place! Ruby red grapefruit crusted with caramelized brown sugar and drizzled Grand Marnier liqueur.
What a wonderful way to chase the chill away ~
Happy New Year!