Winter Harvest

I have eighteen fruit trees in my backyard--you read that right eighteen! Many of them are either miniature or immature trees (I'm not sure which). But, even so, it's difficult for me to keep up with all the fruit they produce. I've turned into one of those people who try to get all visitors to take fruit home. I managed to give away all my pomelos this year, and I've given away a lot of satsumas as well.

Now I'm focused on my grapefruit, since they've been ripe for awhile. I know last year they lasted well into the spring, so it's not like I have to eat them all tomorrow. Still, I need to find some creative things to do with them. Since the vinaigrette I threw together a couple of weeks ago didn't turn out so well, Friday I decided to actually follow a recipe. I found one for a vinaigrette using grapefruit juice; threw together a salad with red leaf lettuce, watercress, red pepper, and white beans; and then made the vinaigrette. It turned out great and I think I'll be using this to dress salads for the next couple of months. Here's my version of the recipe:

2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 T. Dijon mustard
1 t. sugar
1 t. salt
1/2 c. olive oil
4 T. grapefruit juice.

I shook the ingredients together in a container--no whisking or stirring.

If anyone wants to try this recipe and needs a grapefruit, these are waiting for you.