Candied orange peel brings a delightful burst of citrus flavor and sweetness to various dishes and snacks. This homemade treat captures the essence of oranges, turning the usually discarded peels into a delicious confection. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create beautiful, shiny pieces of candy that are perfect for snacking or as a garnish for desserts.
Why We Love This Candied Orange Peel
Candied orange peel is not just a sweet indulgence; it also brings a unique flavor profile that can enhance many recipes. The bright, zesty notes of the orange peel contrast beautifully with the sugar, creating a delightful balance. It’s versatile too, allowing you to use it as a garnish, add it to baked goods, or simply enjoy it on its own. The process of making candied orange peel can also be surprisingly therapeutic; the simple act of simmering the peels in syrup fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Not to mention, making it at home allows you to control the sweetness, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Candied Orange Peel
- 4 large oranges
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- Additional sugar for coating
Directions
- Start by washing the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides that may be on the skin.
- Carefully slice off the ends of each orange. Use a sharp knife to cut the oranges into quarters and remove the flesh. Keep the peels intact, as you’ll be using them for candied orange peel.
- Remove any excess white pith from the inner side of the peels with a knife. The less pith there is, the more tender and flavorful your final product will be.
- Cut the peels into strips, about half an inch wide. You can adjust the size to your liking, but uniform pieces help ensure even cooking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the syrup is ready, add the orange peel strips to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the peels for about 45 minutes to an hour, until they become tender and translucent.
- While the peels are simmering, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will be where you allow the candied peels to dry after cooking.
- After the peels are tender, remove them from the syrup using a slotted spoon, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Allow excess syrup to drip off before transferring them.
- If desired, coat the warm peels in additional granulated sugar for a sweet finish. Simply place the sugar in a shallow bowl and roll the peels until they are fully coated.
- Let the candied orange peels cool completely at room temperature. The remaining syrup can be kept and used for other recipes or as a sweetener for beverages.
How to Serve Candied Orange Peel
Candied orange peel opens the door to many delightful serving ideas. You can put them in a small decorative bowl as a simple yet elegant snack option for guests. This adds a touch of sophistication to any gathering. If you’re planning a dessert party, use these candied peels as a garnish on cakes, cupcakes, or even mousses to enhance both the flavor and visual appeal. Crumble some over your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a bright, sweet kick that can elevate your breakfast. For chocolate lovers, dip the candied peels in dark chocolate, then let them cool until the chocolate hardens for an indulgent treat. Finally, consider adding them to trail mix or granola for a delicious twist on your usual recipe. The possibilities are endless!
Expert Tips for Candied Orange Peel
To ensure your candied orange peel turns out perfectly, consider a few expert tips. First, choose organic oranges if possible to avoid chemicals present on the skin. This eliminates any worries about pesticides impacting the flavor and safety of your treat. Also, make sure to keep an eye on the syrup during cooking. If the syrup gets too thick, it can crystallize and affect the candy’s texture. Stir occasionally, but avoid excessive stirring, which can cause the peels to break or become mushy. If you want a stronger orange flavor, you can add a splash of orange juice or a bit of zest to the syrup while cooking. Lastly, let the peels dry completely after coating, as this prevents them from sticking together during storage. These simple tips will help you achieve the best results every time.
How to Store Candied Orange Peel
Proper storage of candied orange peel will keep it fresh and delicious for weeks. Once your candied peels are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight lid works well, as it helps to seal in moisture while keeping them from getting too dry. You can also layer the peels between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Keep the container in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight. If you notice that they become sticky over time, a light dusting of granulated sugar can help separate them. Candied orange peel can generally last for several weeks when stored correctly, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Variations of Candied Orange Peel
You can get creative with your candied orange peel by exploring various flavors and ingredients. One popular variation is to add spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or clove to the sugar syrup for an aromatic twist. Infusing the syrup with a hint of vanilla is another fantastic option that offers a warm depth to the flavor. For a unique taste and vibrant color, consider using different citrus peels like lemons or limes; they can create a truly refreshing treat. If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a spicy kick. Moreover, rolling the peels in melted chocolate, as mentioned earlier, allows you to easily incorporate diverse flavors like dark, milk, or even white chocolate. This not only provides a richer taste but also helps to create a visually appealing contrast. Let your creativity shine as you discover what variations you enjoy most!
FAQ about Candied Orange Peel
One common question about candied orange peel is, “How do you make candied orange peel at home?” It’s a straightforward process that requires just oranges, sugar, and water. The main steps include boiling the peels in sugar syrup and allowing them to dry, resulting in a sweet and zesty treat. Another frequently asked question is, “Can I use other citrus fruits?” Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on oranges, you can also use lemons, limes, or grapefruits for a similar treat. Just adjust the cooking times as needed, as different fruits may require slightly different processes. Also, you might wonder, “What’s the best way to store candied orange peel?” Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. Lastly, if you come across candied orange peel in the store, you might ask, “Is homemade better?” Typically, homemade candied orange peel allows you to control the sweetness and flavor, giving you a fresher and more satisfying treat compared to the store-bought versions.
Candied Orange Peel
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large oranges Preferably organic to avoid pesticides.
- 2 cups granulated sugar For making syrup and coating.
- 1 cup water To dissolve the sugar.
- as needed tablespoons additional sugar For coating the candied peels.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides.
- Slice off the ends of each orange and cut them into quarters, removing the flesh while keeping the peels intact.
- Remove excess white pith from the inner side of the peels.
- Cut the peels into strips, about half an inch wide for uniform cooking.
Cooking
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar, and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add the orange peel strips to the saucepan, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Remove the peels with a slotted spoon and place them on the baking sheet, allowing excess syrup to drip off.
- Optionally, coat warm peels in additional granulated sugar.
Cooling and Storing
- Let the candied orange peels cool completely at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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