Candied Orange Peel

Growing up, my grandma’s kitchen always had the most tantalizing aroma whenever she’d make her famous Candied Orange Peel. I can still vividly remember the sound of the sizzling pot on the stove and the way the sweet citrusy scent would fill the entire house. It was a ritual I looked forward to every winter, and to this day, those nostalgic flavors bring me right back to those cozy afternoons in her cozy kitchen.

Candied Orange Peel is truly a delight – the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a satisfying chewy texture that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of flavor to baked goods, want to make your own homemade holiday gifts, or simply crave a delectable snack, this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Why This Candied Orange Peel Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Peel

There’s something so special about homemade Candied Orange Peel – the flavors are infinitely more vibrant and the texture is just heavenly compared to store-bought. The secret lies in the simple yet effective techniques used in this recipe. By first boiling the orange peels to remove the bitterness, then simmering them in a sugar syrup, you end up with perfectly soft, chewy, and intensely flavorful Candied Orange Peel. The end result is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 large oranges: The star of the show! Make sure to choose fresh, juicy oranges with vibrant peels. This will ensure maximum flavor and aroma.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: The sugar is crucial for creating that perfect sweet-tart balance and helping the peels candy to perfection.
• 1 cup water: The water is used to make the sugar syrup that the orange peels will simmer in, locking in all that delicious citrus flavor.

These three simple ingredients come together to create a truly special Candied Orange Peel that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Step-by-Step Candied Orange Peel Instructions

Preparing Your Candied Orange Peel

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is incredibly easy to whip up. All you’ll need is a sharp knife, a cutting board, a medium saucepan, and a slotted spoon.

1- Start by slicing the oranges in half and peeling off the rinds in thick strips, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith as much as possible.

2- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the orange peels. Simmer for 10 minutes, then drain and repeat this process two more times. This helps to remove any bitterness from the peels.

3- In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.

4- Add the blanched orange peels to the simmering sugar syrup and let them cook for about 30 minutes, until they become translucent and the syrup thickens slightly.

5- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied orange peels to a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to spread them out in a single layer.

6- Allow the peels to cool completely, then enjoy your homemade Candied Orange Peel as a snack, use them to garnish baked goods, or package them up as thoughtful handmade gifts.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Make sure to remove as much of the bitter white pith as possible when peeling the oranges. This will ensure your Candied Orange Peel has the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus.
2. Blanching the peels three times is key – it really helps to remove any lingering bitterness and results in a beautifully soft, chewy texture.
3. Keep a close eye on the sugar syrup as it simmers to prevent it from overcooking and becoming too thick.
4. Let the candied peels cool completely before handling them, as they’ll be quite soft and delicate when first removed from the syrup.
5. For an extra special touch, try dipping the cooled candied peels in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.

Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Peel

Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Peel

This recipe for Candied Orange Peel makes a generous 12 servings, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. It’s the perfect addition to holiday baked goods like gingerbread, scones, or thumbprint cookies. The bright, citrusy flavor also pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of hot tea or coffee. And for a truly indulgent treat, try sprinkling the candied peels over vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Homemade Candied Orange Peel keeps incredibly well. Store the cooled peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the candied peels for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before using.

To make this recipe even easier, you can prep the orange peels up to a day in advance. Slice and blanch the peels, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to candy them. This will save you time on the day you plan to enjoy your homemade Candied Orange Peel.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Peel

Creative Candied Orange Peel Variations

While this classic Candied Orange Peel recipe is simply delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the sugar syrup for a warmly spiced twist. You could also experiment with different citrus fruits, like grapefruit or lemon, for unique flavor profiles. And for a festive holiday touch, roll the candied peels in crushed peppermint or drizzle them with melted white chocolate.

Making Candied Orange Peel Diet-Friendly

For those following a gluten-free or vegan diet, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is already a great option. Simply use organic cane sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar to make it fully vegan-friendly. And for a low-carb adaptation, you can substitute the sugar with a zero-calorie sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. Just be sure to adjust the amounts as needed to achieve the perfect sweet-tart balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of oranges?
A: Absolutely! This recipe would also work beautifully with grapefruit, lemon, or even a combination of different citrus peels. Just keep the total amount of peels the same as the 3 large oranges called for in the recipe.

Q: How long does it take to make this Candied Orange Peel recipe?
A: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, the total time to make this recipe is 45 minutes. The blanching and simmering process is what takes the most time, but it’s largely hands-off.

Q: Can I store the Candied Orange Peel for later?
A: Yes, the candied peels keep very well. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: How much Candied Orange Peel does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 12 servings of Candied Orange Peel. The amount can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs.

Q: What if my Candied Orange Peel turns out too bitter or too sweet?
A: If the peels taste too bitter, you likely didn’t blanch them long enough to remove the pith. Try blanching for a few more rounds next time. And if they’re too sweet, you can balance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of fresh orange juice.

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Conclusion

Candied Orange Peel is truly a special treat that’s well worth the minimal effort it takes to make. With its bright, citrusy flavors and delightfully chewy texture, this homemade version will blow any store-bought variety out of the water. Whether you enjoy it on its own as a snack, use it to elevate your baked goods, or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift, this recipe is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your oranges, sugar, and a little bit of patience, and get ready to experience the magic of Candied Orange Peel. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – be sure to leave a comment and let me know!