Oh my goodness, let me tell you about *candied orange peel*! It’s like sunshine in a jar, bursting with sweetness and a delightful tang that just makes everything better. I absolutely love having a stash of these beauties on hand; they’re perfect for snacking straight out of the container or adding a zesty twist to my baked goods. Trust me, they elevate everything from cookies to cakes! My grandma used to make this recipe every holiday season, and the smell of those simmering orange peels would fill the house with warmth and nostalgia. It’s a cherished tradition that I now pass on to my friends and family. So, let’s dive into this simple yet fabulous recipe that will bring a little brightness into your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 large oranges (washed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
How to Prepare Candied Orange Peel
Preparing *candied orange peel* is a fun and rewarding process! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are absolutely delicious. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, wash your oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Then, peel them carefully with a sharp knife, making sure to get as much of the white pith off as you can. The less pith, the better the final candy will taste!
- Once you have your peels, cut them into strips about half an inch wide. Don’t worry about them being perfect; a little variation adds charm!
- Now, grab a pot and bring some water to a boil. Toss in the orange peels and let them boil for about 10 minutes. This step helps to soften the peels and reduce bitterness. After 10 minutes, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a clean pot, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. It should feel like syrup at this point!
- Carefully add the rinsed peels to the pot, reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Let them cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they become translucent. You’ll know they’re ready when they look shiny and somewhat see-through!
- Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the peels and place them on parchment paper to dry. This step is crucial, as it allows the excess syrup to drip off, and it helps them set nicely.
And there you have it! You’ve just made your own *candied orange peel*. Let them cool completely, and they’re ready to be enjoyed or stored for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make – you’ll have delicious treats in no time!
- Perfect for snacking or baking – they add a delightful twist to any dish!
- Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that brightens up your palate.
- Versatile for various recipes – throw them in cakes, cookies, or even salads for a pop of citrus!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *candied orange peel* turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few pro tips to share! First, really pay attention to the pith while peeling your oranges. The less pith you have, the sweeter and less bitter your candy will be. If you find some pith left on, don’t fret—just carefully trim it off before you cut the peels into strips.
When you’re boiling the peels, keep an eye on the time. Boiling for a solid 10 minutes helps soften them, but if you leave them too long, they can get mushy. After rinsing, make sure you’re gentle when adding the peels to the sugar syrup. You want them to be coated nicely without breaking apart. And here’s a little secret: if you want extra flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to the syrup before adding the peels. It really enhances the taste!
Lastly, be patient while they dry! Letting them sit on parchment paper for a couple of hours helps them firm up and develop that lovely candy texture. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your *candied orange peel*! Let me share a few delightful variations that will keep your taste buds dancing:
- Cinnamon Twist: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sugar syrup for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall!
- Ginger Zing: Toss in a few slices of fresh ginger while simmering the peels to infuse a zesty kick into your candy.
- Other Citrus Fruits: Try using lemon, lime, or grapefruit peels for a different citrusy twist. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor profile!
- Chocolate-Dipped: Once your candied peels have dried, dip them in melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Spiced Citrus: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor that’s simply divine.
Feel free to experiment! The beauty of *candied orange peel* is that it’s incredibly versatile, so let your creativity shine through in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *candied orange peel* properly is super simple! Once they’ve cooled completely and dried on the parchment paper, you’ll want to place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from sticking together. I like to layer them with a little parchment paper in between to keep them separate, just in case!
If stored correctly, your lovely candied peels will last for about 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. You can also pop them in the refrigerator if you want to extend their shelf life a bit longer—just be mindful that they might get a tad sticky in the fridge. But don’t worry, you can easily revive their texture by letting them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying.
Now, as for how to use them later, the possibilities are endless! You can chop them up and sprinkle them into your favorite baked goods, add them to trail mix for a sweet snack, or even use them as a garnish for cocktails. Honestly, they’re such a versatile treat that you’ll find yourself reaching for them in all sorts of delightful ways. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your homemade *candied orange peel*, it’s nice to know what you’re getting! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1 oz):
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the size of your oranges and how much syrup clings to the peels. But overall, they’re a sweet indulgence that can make your day a little brighter without any guilt!
FAQ Section
What are the best uses for candied orange peel?
Oh, there are so many delightful ways to use *candied orange peel*! You can snack on them straight from the jar, toss them into your favorite cookies or cakes for a fun twist, or even sprinkle them on top of yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor. They also make a gorgeous garnish for cocktails or desserts, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick!
How long does candied orange peel last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your *candied orange peel* will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. However, if you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them. Just be aware that they may become a bit sticky in the fridge, but a little time at room temperature will bring them back to their delicious state!
Can I substitute the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can use alternatives like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this might change the texture and flavor a bit. For a sugar substitute, try using stevia or agave syrup, adjusting the quantity according to the sweetness level you prefer.
Can I make candied orange peel with other citrus fruits?
Yes, you can! *Candied lemon peel*, *grapefruit peel*, or even *lime peel* can be made using the same method. Each citrus brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combinations!
Is candied orange peel vegan?
Yes, *candied orange peel* is naturally vegan as it consists of oranges, sugar, and water. It’s a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences!
Candied Orange Peel: 5 Sweet Ways to Brighten Your Day
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 1 cup 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Sweet and tangy candied orange peel for snacking or baking.
Zutaten
- 2 large oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Anweisungen
- Wash and peel the oranges.
- Cut the peels into strips.
- Boil the peels in water for 10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the peels.
- In a pot, combine sugar and water; bring to a boil.
- Add the peels and simmer until translucent.
- Remove peels and let them dry on parchment paper.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use for decorations or in desserts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Snack
- Methode: Candying
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 oz
- Kalorien: 100
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 0mg
- Fett: 0g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 25g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: candied orange peel, orange candy, snack
