Description
Zesty “Candied Citrus Delight” brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table, dancing with sweet-tangy perfection. Delicate orange and lemon peels caramelize into golden jewels, promising pure citrus bliss with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 organic oranges
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
Enhancing Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean
Optional Coating/Dipping:
- Extra sugar for coating
- Chocolate for dipping
Instructions
- Meticulously cleanse oranges under running water using a vegetable brush, ensuring the peels are pristine and ready for consumption.
- Trim the orange’s top and bottom, then carefully score the peel into four longitudinal sections. Delicately remove each section and slice into slender 1/4-inch strips.
- Submerge the orange peel strips in a pot of water, bringing to a rolling boil. Drain thoroughly using a colander, and repeat the boiling process to eliminate any residual bitterness.
- Reintroduce the boiled strips to the pot, incorporating water, sugar, and vanilla bean. Elevate to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook uncovered, watching as the peels transform into a translucent delicacy and the syrup gradually reduces.
- Extinguish the heat, permitting the peels to luxuriate in the warm sugar syrup for a brief moment. Carefully extract the strips using tongs and arrange them on a drying rack positioned over parchment paper. Let them air-dry for an extended period, typically 8-24 hours.
- After thorough drying, enrobe each candied peel in a crystalline layer of granulated sugar. For an indulgent twist, immerse the sugared strips in melted chocolate, allowing them to set until perfectly firm.
Notes
- Thorough cleaning of oranges is crucial to remove any dirt or wax coating before preparing candied peels.
- Precision in cutting peel sections helps create uniform, elegant citrus strips that cook evenly and look professional.
- Double-boiling technique eliminates bitter flavors, ensuring a smooth, sweet candied orange peel experience.
- Slow simmering in sugar syrup transforms tough peels into tender, glossy delicacies with concentrated citrus essence.
- Extended drying period allows sugar coating to crystallize, creating a delightful crunchy exterior with intense flavor.
- Optional chocolate dipping elevates these treats from simple confection to gourmet dessert, perfect for gifting or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg