Easy Candied Orange Peel
Ingredients
- 2 large oranges
- 4 cups sugar
divided
- 3 cups water
Directions
- 1
Using a sharp paring knife, slice off tops and bottoms from 2 large oranges; discard. Score peels vertically into quarters, then remove peels with white pith attached; save flesh for another use. Slice peels lengthwise into ¼"-wide strips.
- 2
Cook peels in a large pot of boiling water 15 minutes; drain, rinse, then drain again.
- 3
Bring 3 cups sugar and 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add peels, reduce heat, and simmer until very soft, 40–45 minutes; drain.
- 4
Toss peels with remaining 1 cup sugar on a rimmed baking sheet to coat. Transfer peels to a large sheet of foil and let sit until dry, 1–2 days. Do Ahead: Orange peels can be candied 1 month ahead. Store airtight at room temperature, or freeze up to 2 months.
Easy Candied Orange Peel
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About this Recipe
Craving a gourmet sweet treat that's surprisingly simple to make? This easy candied orange peel recipe transforms humble citrus into a dazzling confection, perfect for elevating desserts, drinks, or enjoying on its own.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity, turning humble oranges and sugar into something truly special. It showcases how a few basic ingredients can create a surprisingly sophisticated and chewy confection, offering a pleasant balance of sweet and tangy. The process, while seemingly intricate, is straightforward, yielding a product far superior to store-bought versions.
Prepare for a batch of vibrantly colored, aromatic candied orange peel that boasts a wonderfully chewy texture and a glistening, sweet coating. Each bite delivers an intense, concentrated orange flavor, with a pleasant bitterness that prevents it from being cloyingly sweet. It's a delightful sensory experience, offering both visual appeal and a burst of fresh citrus taste. This naturally delicious treat is perfect for a variety of uses, from garnishes to baking inclusions.
Feel free to explore beyond oranges; this candying method works beautifully with other citrus peels like lemons, limes, or even grapefruit, each offering its unique zest and bitterness. For an aromatic twist, consider infusing your syrup with a vanilla bean, a cinnamon stick, or a few cardamom pods. You can also coat the finished peels in dark chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
Serve these glittering orange peels as an elegant after-dinner treat, a sophisticated garnish for cakes and cocktails, or chop them to fold into biscotti and fruitcakes. They also make for a thoughtful, handcrafted gift during any season.