Gin-and-Orange-Juice-Braised Endives

Ingredients

• 15 servings balsamic vinegar for drizzling
• 10 medium belgian endives halved lengthwise
• 0.5 cup hendrick's gin 
• 2 tablespoons honey 
• 3 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
• 1 cup orange juice fresh
• 2 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds salted
• 15 servings salt and pepper black freshly ground
• 2  scallions white green thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons butter unsalted

Equipment

• frying pan

Directions

1. In each of 2 large skillets, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the extra-virgin olive oil.
2. Add the endive halves, cut sides down, and cook over moderate heat until richly browned, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour 1/4 cup of the gin into each skillet and cook until it's reduced by half. Turn the endives over, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and add 1/2 cup of the orange juice to each skillet. Cover and cook over low heat, turning once, until the endives are tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Transfer the braised endives to a warm platter, cut sides up.
4. Pour the liquid from one of the skillets into the other.
5. Add the butter and honey and boil over high heat until syrupy, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
6. Pour the sauce over the endives and garnish with the sliced scallions and roasted pumpkin seeds.
7. Drizzle the endives with the balsamic vinegar and serve.