Candied orange peel is a classic treat that has been cherished for centuries. It has a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors that make it perfect for everything from holiday treats to everyday snacking. Not only is this confection delicious, but it also offers a great way to reduce waste by using up otherwise discarded citrus peels. If you have never made candied orange peel before or are looking for an easy and foolproof method, this article is perfect for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own delicious and delightful candied orange peel.

Ingredients:

– 4 large oranges

– 2 cups granulated sugar

– 1 cup water

– Extra sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oranges: Start by washing the oranges thoroughly under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, cut off both ends of the oranges to expose the flesh. Make vertical cuts around each orange from top to bottom, slicing through the skin but making sure not to cut too deep into the flesh. Carefully remove the peel, taking care to preserve its shape while avoiding as much of the pith as possible.

2. Trim and Slice the Peels: If there’s still any white pith clinging to your peels, use a small paring knife or sharp spoon to remove it. Once you’ve cleaned the peels, cut them into thin strips about ¼-inch wide.

3. Blanching Process: This step helps remove bitterness from the peels, giving your candied treats a better taste. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and add your orange peel strips. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes before draining and rinsing under cold water. Repeat this blanching process two more times with fresh boiling water.

4. Create Sugar Syrup: In a clean saucepan, combine the 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously, ensuring that the sugar dissolves completely. Once it does, lower the heat to a simmer.

5. Add Orange Peels to the Syrup: Carefully place the blanched orange peel strips into the sugar syrup. Allow them to simmer gently for 45 minutes to an hour or until they become translucent and tender. Make sure not to let the syrup come to a hard boil, as this might cause your peels to become too hard and brittle.

6. Dry and Coat in Sugar: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to carefully remove the candied peels from the syrup, allowing any excess syrup to drip back into the pan. Lay them out on a wire rack set over parchment paper or aluminum foil, separating each strip to ensure even drying. Let them dry for 4-6 hours or until they’re no longer sticky.

7. Once fully dried: Toss your candied orange peels in a bowl with some granulated sugar, making sure each strip is evenly coated.

Storage: You can store your candied orange peel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Now you’re all set with delectable candied orange peels! Enjoy these sweet and tangy treats on their own or use them as toppings for cakes, cookies, or even as an accompaniment for cocktails and cheese platters. With this easy-to-follow guide on how to make candied orange peel, you’ll impress friends and family with this timeless confectionery delight!