Try these 3 ways to use grapefruit this winter: brûlée it for dessert, turn it into grapefruit poppyseed dressing or make a quick and easy antibacterial household cleaner.

It’s the final month of my partnership with Silk and bringing you seasonal/local eating recipes, ideas, and guides. It’s crazy to think this all started with a sweet pea lemon crepe cake back in May.

Spring was just starting to give us fresh tender greens here in NY and we had a whole long growing season to look forward to. Today, on December 28th, things are a bit different. Despite the mild winter we’ve had so far, there’s pretty much nothing left at the farmer’s market from a local standpoint besides some leftover apples and a bunch of winter squash.

So, while not local, grapefruit seemed at least a seasonally appropriate way to end this series.

Of course you can do normal things like make a pickled fennel citrus salad or maybe a scallop citrus ceviche with it but I wanted to think a little bit outside of the box this time with these 3 ways to use grapefruit.

1 – Grapefruit Brûlée

You know what happens when you sprinkle brown sugar (or use coconut sugar for a paleo version), cinnamon and ginger on top of a grapefruit and then broil it in the oven for 5-7 minutes? Magic. Pure magic.

Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some chopped nuts and you either have a decadent addition to breakfast or a healthy dessert at your fingertips in just minutes.

2. Grapefruit Poppy Seed Dressing

Using Silk unsweetened original almond milk, make a dairy free grapefruit poppyseed dressing in just minutes. It’s a nice citrus addition to any winter salad (try it on this winter chopped kale salad for something different). The grapefruit brings a sweeter tang to the dressing than traditional lemon would.

*See below for the full recipe*

3. Make Your Own Antibacterial Grapefruit Household Cleaner

I dabbled in the whole essential oil thing earlier this year and was shocked at how easy it is to make your own cleaners and sprays. This DIY cleaner is naturally antibacterial and can be used on all sorts of surfaces like counters, sinks, showers, tubs and toilets.

Things you’ll need:

• peel from 1 grapefruit
• white vinegar
• mason jar
• water
• tea tree oil
• spray bottle

Place the grapefruit peel in a mason jar. Cover with vinegar, screw on the lid and let sit in a cool, dark place for about a week to infuse. Strain the vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and add a few drops of the tea tree oil (3-5 will do). Shake gently before using.

Love this Grapefruit Poppy Seed Dressing recipe?

Try my Creamy 3 herb dressing, Tuna Sushi Bowl with Avocado Wasabi Dressing, and Radicchio Endive Fennel Salad with Tangy Dijon Herb Dressing. 

And if you’re feeling boozy, this grapefruit martini is always a welcomed addition to any cold winter day.

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.