Description
Classic Candied Citrus Delight showcases zesty orange and lemon peels with delicate sugar crystallization. Guests savor sweet-tangy Mediterranean-inspired treats that sparkle with refined culinary elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 organic oranges
- 2 cups (480 mL/16 fl oz) water
- 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) sugar
- 1 vanilla bean
- Additional sugar for coating
- Chocolate for dipping
Instructions
- Preparation: Scrub oranges thoroughly under running water, then trim tops and bottoms. Carefully slice peels into four sections and cut into slender 1/4-inch strips.
- Blanching: Transfer peel strips to a pot of water, bringing to a vigorous boil. Drain completely in a colander, then repeat boiling process to remove bitter undertones.
- Candying: Combine peels with water, sugar, and vanilla bean in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, allowing peels to become translucent and syrup to condense, stirring occasionally.
- Drying: Remove from heat and let peels rest in warm syrup momentarily. Extract strips using tongs and arrange on a wire rack over parchment paper. Allow to air-dry for 8-24 hours until completely dehydrated.
- Finishing: Coat dried peels generously with granulated sugar. Optional: Dip sugar-crusted strips in melted chocolate, placing on parchment paper to set until chocolate hardens completely.
Notes
- Brush Thoroughly: Clean oranges meticulously with a vegetable brush to remove any wax or dirt, ensuring food-safe peels.
- Boil Twice: Double-boiling orange peels removes bitter compounds, creating a smoother, more refined candy texture.
- Drying Matters: Patient air-drying for 8-24 hours guarantees crisp, delicate candied peels that aren’t overly sticky or soft.
- Chocolate Option: Dipping in melted chocolate transforms simple candied peels into a gourmet confection, adding rich complexity and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg