Oh my goodness, let me tell you about candied orange peel! This sweet treat is not just a delicious snack, but it also adds a delightful zing to a variety of desserts. I still remember the first time I tried homemade candied orange peel. I was at a friend’s holiday party, and she had made a batch that was just so vibrant and flavorful. I couldn’t believe it was made from the peels I usually toss away! The bright citrus flavor combined with that sugary crunch is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s such a fun project to whip up in your own kitchen! You’ll find it’s easier than you might think, and the result is a delightful, versatile candy that you can use in baking, snacking, or even as a cocktail garnish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Candied Orange Peel
- 2 large oranges, washed and peeled, keeping the white pith for better texture
- 1 cup sugar, granulated, for that sweet, delightful coating
- 1 cup water, to create the syrup that will infuse the peels with sweetness
How to Prepare Candied Orange Peel
Getting started on making candied orange peel is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious sweet snack in no time. I promise, the process is as satisfying as the end result!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or residues. You want them to be nice and clean!
- Next, peel the oranges carefully, making sure to keep as much of the white pith as possible. This gives the peels a lovely chewy texture.
- Once you have the peels, cut them into thin strips. Aim for about ¼ inch wide for even cooking.
- Now, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the orange peel strips. Let them boil for about 10 minutes. This helps to soften the peels and remove some bitterness.
- After boiling, drain the peels and set them aside. Don’t worry, we’re just getting started!
- In a new pot, combine the sugar and water, and bring it to a boil over medium heat. This will create a sweet syrup.
- Once the syrup is boiling, gently add the orange peels to the pot. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 45 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally to ensure they’re well coated.
- After 45 minutes, remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to cool and dry. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, once they’re dry to the touch, roll the peels in the remaining sugar for that perfect sweet finish.
And there you have it, homemade candied orange peel! It’s not only easy, but the aroma of citrus filling your kitchen is just heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly versatile! Use candied orange peel in desserts, salads, or as a snack.
- So easy to make! With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll impress everyone.
- The taste is out of this world—sweet, tangy, and oh-so-citrusy!
- You can customize the sweetness by rolling in more or less sugar, depending on your preference.
- It makes a beautiful gift! Pack it up in a cute jar, and you’ve got a delightful present.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your candied orange peel turns out perfectly every time! First off, choose oranges that are firm and fragrant. Organic oranges are a great option since they’re free from pesticides—plus, you get that beautiful, vibrant flavor! When boiling the peels, don’t rush it. If you boil them too little, they might be too bitter; too long, and they could get mushy. Aim for that sweet spot of about 10 minutes in the boiling water!
Once you’ve rolled them in sugar, let them dry completely on the wire rack before storing. This helps them stay nice and chewy. Speaking of storage, keep your candied orange peel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. You can also pop them in the fridge if you want to extend their life a bit longer. Happy candy-making!
Nutritional Information for Candied Orange Peel
When indulging in your homemade candied orange peel, it’s nice to know what you’re treating yourself to! Each piece contains approximately 50 calories, which makes it a sweet little snack without overdoing it. You’ll find about 12 grams of sugar, bringing that delightful sweetness to your palate. In terms of carbohydrates, you’re looking at around 13 grams, with no fat or cholesterol to worry about. Of course, these values can vary based on the specific oranges you use and how much sugar you roll them in, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy every zesty bite!
FAQ about Candied Orange Peel
Got questions about making your own candied orange peel? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my answers to help you on your candy-making journey.
How long does candied orange peel last?
Your homemade candied orange peel can last up to a month when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them even longer, just pop them in the fridge! They’ll stay fresh for a couple of extra weeks that way. Just be sure to let them dry completely before storing, so they don’t get sticky!
Can I use different types of citrus?
Absolutely! While I love the bright flavor of oranges, you can use other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits to make your candied peels. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor, and it’s a fun way to experiment. Just remember that some citrus peels may require a bit more boiling to soften, so keep an eye on them. Enjoy the adventure of trying out different citrus—it’s bound to be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your homemade candied orange peel at its best, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to a month, making it perfect for snacking or using in recipes later. If you want to extend its shelf life, pop it in the refrigerator, where it can last a couple of extra weeks. Just remember to let the peels dry completely before storing to avoid stickiness! As for reheating, there’s really no need—just enjoy them as they are, sweet and chewy!
Print
Candied Orange Peel: 7 Ways to Enjoy This Zesty Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candied orange peel is a sweet treat made from the outer peel of oranges.
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly.
- Peel the oranges, taking care to keep the white pith.
- Cut the peels into thin strips.
- Boil the strips in water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- In a pot, combine sugar and water, and bring to a boil.
- Add the orange peels to the syrup and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove the peels and place them on a wire rack to cool.
- Once dry, roll the peels in sugar.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use leftover syrup in cocktails.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candied orange peel, dessert, sweet treat
