Growing up, my grandmother’s house was always filled with the most enticing aromas, and one of my absolute favorites was the sweet, citrusy scent of her homemade Candied Orange Peel. As a child, I’d eagerly await the moment when she’d present a plate of those glistening, vibrant orange strips, their crisp edges coated in a delightful sugar crust. It was a flavor explosion in my mouth, and I just couldn’t get enough.
Years have passed, but that memory has stuck with me, and I’ve since mastered the art of making my own Candied Orange Peel. This recipe has become a go-to in my household, and I’m excited to share it with you today. Trust me, once you try this heavenly treat, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen as well.
Why This Candied Orange Peel Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Peel
The secret to truly exceptional Candied Orange Peel lies in the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the key is to strike that balance just right. This recipe, which takes just 15 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cooking, yields a batch of 24 pieces that are perfectly tender on the inside with a crisp, caramelized exterior. The key is to slowly simmer the orange peels in a sugar syrup, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to transform into a delightful confection.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this irresistible Candied Orange Peel, you’ll need just three simple ingredients: 3 oranges, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of water. The oranges, of course, are the star of the show, providing the vibrant citrus flavor that makes this treat so unique. The sugar is essential for creating that perfect candied coating, while the water helps to dissolve the sugar and form the syrup that the peels will simmer in.
Step-by-Step Candied Orange Peel Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Orange Peel
With a total time of 75 minutes, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is a breeze to make. You’ll start by prepping your ingredients, which should take about 15 minutes. You’ll need a sharp knife, a vegetable peeler, a saucepan, and a slotted spoon or tongs.
1- Begin by peeling the oranges, taking care to remove just the outer zest and avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Cut the orange peels into thin strips, about 1/4-inch wide.
2- In a saucepan, combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
3- Once the sugar syrup is bubbling, reduce the heat to low and gently add the orange peel strips. Simmer for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peels have become translucent and the syrup has thickened.
4- Keep an eye on the peels, looking for them to take on a slightly candied appearance, with a glossy sheen and a soft, pliable texture.
5- Using a slotted spoon or tongs, carefully remove the candied orange peels from the syrup and transfer them to a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper.
6- Allow the peels to cool completely, then enjoy your homemade Candied Orange Peel as a delightful snack or use them to garnish desserts, cocktails, and more.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Candied Orange Peel turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Choose organic oranges if possible, as the peels will be less likely to contain any unwanted chemicals or waxes.
- Be patient during the simmering process – the longer the peels cook in the sugar syrup, the more flavorful and tender they’ll become.
- Keep a close eye on the peels towards the end to prevent them from overcooking and becoming too soft.
- For a more vibrant color, consider adding a few drops of orange food coloring to the sugar syrup.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Peel
Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Peel
This batch of 24 pieces of Candied Orange Peel is the perfect amount to enjoy as a standalone snack or to use as a garnish for all sorts of sweet and savory dishes. Try pairing it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake for a citrusy twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Candied Orange Peel is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store for later use. Once the peels have cooled completely, you can transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can also freeze the candied peels for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Peel
Creative Candied Orange Peel Variations
While this classic Candied Orange Peel recipe is a true delight, you can also get creative with a few variations. Try dipping the cooled peels in melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat, or roll them in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices, like cinnamon or cardamom, to create seasonal twists.
Making Candied Orange Peel Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free or vegan diet, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is already a perfect fit. Simply use a granulated sugar substitute, like coconut sugar or erythritol, to create a low-carb version. And for a vegan take, opt for a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of the traditional granulated sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit, like lemons or limes, to make Candied Orange Peel?
A: Absolutely! The basic process for candying citrus peels is the same, so you can easily substitute lemons, limes, or even grapefruit peels in this recipe.
Q: How long does it take to make Candied Orange Peel?
A: This recipe has a total time of 75 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 60 minutes of cooking.
Q: How should I store my Candied Orange Peel?
A: Candied Orange Peel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many pieces of Candied Orange Peel does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 24 pieces of Candied Orange Peel.
Q: What if my Candied Orange Peel turns out too soft or too hard?
A: If the peels are too soft, they may need to simmer for a bit longer to achieve the desired texture. If they’re too hard, the cooking time was likely too long, and you can try reducing the simmering time next time.
Candied Orange Peel
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 24 pieces
Description
Homemade Candied Orange Peel is a delightful sweet treat that adds a burst of citrusy flavor to any occasion. This easy recipe transforms simple orange peels into a delectable, crystallized candy that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a garnish for desserts and drinks.
Ingredients
– 3 oranges
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions
1. Peel the oranges, removing as much of the white pith as possible. Cut the peels into thin strips.
2. In a saucepan, combine the orange peels, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the peels are translucent and the liquid has thickened.
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied orange peels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer.
5. Allow the peels to cool and dry, then toss them in additional granulated sugar to coat.
6. Store the Candied Orange Peel in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
– For a more intense orange flavor, use the zest of the oranges in addition to the peels.
– Try dipping the candied peels in dark chocolate for an extra treat.
– Experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado, for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Candied Orange Peel is a truly special treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of this tantalizing citrus confection that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack or use it to elevate your favorite desserts and drinks, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why not give it a try today? I can’t wait to hear what you think!
