Orange and Vanilla Carambola

Carambola or "star fruit," is an exotic fruit grown in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Asia. This fruit of a tropical evergreen tree native to India and Malaysia has a flavor that is enhanced when infused with vanilla syrup, orange juice and cinnamon. Once sliced, the fruit resembles little stars which can also be used to decorate fruit salads, fruit plates, tall fizzy drinks, punch and appetizers. Look for 5-inch long skinny carambola with close ribs for small stars. This fruit is also known as a star apple.

    2 carambola or star fruit
    ¼ cup sugar
    1 cup vanilla syrup
    2 cinnamon sticks
    2 whole cloves
    1 orange

1.  Rinse fruit and cut into thin slices, place in medium bowl.

2.  Top with sugar, vanilla syrup, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
 
3.  Rinse orange in warm water. Remove peel with a zester.     
     Squeeze orange and add juice and zest to vanilla syrup.

4.  Stir, then refrigerate overnight. When giving as gifts, divide     
     syrup, cinnamon and cloves between the two jars.

5.  Refrigerate until you give the gift and let the recipient know         
     to keep the fruit refrigerated. Use within a week.

     Hint: Kitchen Krafts catalog has 8 oz. jars with colorful lids.
 
     Makes 2 (8-ounce) jars