Brighten Your Brunch Spread

(Family Features)

Astaple of warm weekend days, brunch combines the best flavors of the first two meals of the day. Every great brunch spread complements its savory items with something sweet, something refreshing and a signature beverage, and there’s one ingredient that can help cover all of those bases–100% orange juice.

An option like Florida orange juice is not only delicious but delivers a powerful combination of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that have associated health benefits. One of nature’s nutrient dense foods, one 8-ounce glass of orange juice provides 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C and is also a good source of potassium, folate and thiamin, making it a great substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages and a simple addition to brunch staples like this Orange Oatmeal.

When combined with a healthy lifestyle, 100% orange juice may also help support a healthy immune system. Orange juice contains beneficial plant compounds, flavonoids and colorful carotenoids to aid in fighting inflammation and cell communication. It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen immune systems by protecting cells and promoting the production and function of immune cells. Vitamin D, which can be found in fortified juices, also plays an important role in regulating immune response and helps immune cells fight off bacteria and viruses that get into the body.

For more information and sweet, nutritious brunch recipes, visit FloridaJuice.com.

Citrus Watermelonade

1 c. hot water

2 c. sugar

6 c. watermelon, seeded, rind removed and cut into 1-inch pieces, divided

2 c. Florida orange juice

1 c. Florida grapefruit juice

3/4 c. lemon juice

3/4 c. lime juice

2 c. Florida oranges, cut into 1-inch pieces, peeled

1/2 c. mint leaves

Ice, for serving

Florida orange slices for garnish (optional)

Watermelon chunks for garnish (optional)

In small saucepan over low heat, combine hot water and sugar; heat until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until chilled.

In blender, puree 4 cups watermelon until smooth.

In large pitcher, stir watermelon juice, chilled sugar syrup, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and lime juice until combined.

Add remaining watermelon pieces, orange pieces and mint leaves; refrigerate 2-3 hours until well chilled. Serve over ice in glasses. Garnish with orange slices and watermelon chunks, if desired.

Orange Oatmeal

1 c. Florida orange juice

1 1/2 c. water

1 c. quick-cooking steel-cut oats

1 Florida orange, peeled and diced

1 T. agave nectar or honey

1/4 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. salt

In medium saucepan over high heat, bring orange juice and water to boil.

Add oats to boiling liquids.

Return to boil then reduce to medium heat and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Mix in diced orange, agave nectar, cinnamon and salt. Remove pan from heat; let stand 1 minute before serving.