Orange Pomanders

A firm orange
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
3/8 inch masking tape
1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
A fine knitting needle, nail, awl or scewer
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 feet of 1/2 inch ribbon - cut in half
waxed paper (grease proof)
Whole cloves (approx 1 oz per orange)

Note: Ground oris root (1 tablespoon) mixed in with the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger helps to preserve the pomander.

Mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and oris root (optional). Set aside.

Start at stem end of the orange. Wrap tape around the orange. Wrap a second piece of tape in the same manner so that the orange is divided into quarters. Using an a knitting needle or other sharp object, poke holes into the orange next to the tape. Insert a clove in each hole. Make holes as close together as possible creating your own design.

Remove the tape. To make extra spicey, roll in cinnamon mixture. This step is optional.

Lay ribbon in the space left by the tape. Tie up at the top.

To preserve, place in a cool, dark closet wrapped in waxed paper (grease proof) until it is hard and dry - approx 5-6 weeks. It will shrink as it dries and smell spicey for years.

These make nice Christmas gifts or a little something to give at any time of the year.