Spiced Orange and Honey Sorbet

With the warmer weather upon us, its time to revisit the classics and perhaps create a few new ones that won't heat up the kitchen. This recipe won Star Status for 5/22 with its unique taste combination and its cool and bright flavor profile. Whether you use it as a palate cleanser or as a dessert it will ‘hit the spot’.

- Chez

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup clover honey
• 2 tablespoons finely grated orange peel
• 1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 2 whole star anise
• 5 cardamom pods
• 2 whole cloves
• 1 small bay leaf
• 2 cups chilled fresh orange juice
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cardamom

• 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. 5 minutes before complete sprinkle in the ground cardamom and allow to incorporate.

• Transfer sorbet to container, cover, and freeze until firm, at least 6 hours and up to 3 days.