Candied Orange Peel

Candied orange peel is a classic ingredient in baking, adding a sweet-tart citrus flavor to cakes, cookies, and other desserts. It's also a delicious snack on its own, and it's surprisingly easy to make at home.

Candied orange peel has a long and storied history. It was first created in the Middle Ages, when sugar was a rare and expensive commodity. Candied orange peel was a way to preserve oranges and make them more shelf-stable. Over time, candied orange peel became a popular ingredient in desserts, and it remains so today. Candied orange peel adds a sweet-tart citrus flavor to cakes, cookies, and other desserts. It's also a delicious snack on its own. Candied orange peel is made by simmering orange peel in a sugar syrup until the peel is translucent and tender. The peel is then removed from the syrup and dried on a wire rack. Once the peel is completely dry, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4 oranges
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the peel from the oranges, leaving as much of the white pith behind as possible.
2. Cut the peel into thin strips.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil.
4. Add the orange peel to the boiling syrup and reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until the peel is translucent and tender.
6. Remove the peel from the syrup and spread on a wire rack to dry.
7. Once the peel is completely dry, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Why It Works

• The sugar syrup helps to preserve the orange peel and gives it a sweet-tart flavor.
• Simmering the orange peel in the sugar syrup helps to soften the peel and make it more tender.
• Drying the orange peel on a wire rack helps to remove excess moisture and make the peel shelf-stable.