Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was always filled with the most tantalizing aromas, and one of my absolute favorites was the scent of freshly made Candied Orange Peel. I can still remember the sound of the knife slicing through the vibrant orange rinds, the steam rising as they simmered in the sugar syrup, and the way the sticky sweetness would melt on my tongue. It was a recipe that connected me to my heritage, a delightful treat that brought our family together time and time again.
Now, as an experienced SEO content creator, I’m excited to share this beloved Candied Orange Peel recipe with you. This is a recipe that’s not only steeped in tradition but also perfectly suited for modern-day cooks who are looking to add a touch of homemade magic to their baking and culinary adventures.
Table of Contents
Why This Candied Orange Peel Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Candied Orange Peel
The secret to making truly exceptional Candied Orange Peel lies in the careful balance of sweet and tart, as well as the perfect texture that comes from the unique cooking method. By following this recipe, you’ll end up with vibrant, tender peels that are coated in a delectable, crystallized sugar shell. The process may take a bit of time, but the end result is well worth the effort.
What sets this Candied Orange Peel recipe apart is the attention to detail in the preparation and cooking stages. The peels are first blanched to remove any bitterness, then simmered in a simple syrup until they become translucent and tender. The final step is to roll the peels in granulated sugar, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy interior.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this irresistible Candied Orange Peel, you’ll need just three key ingredients:
- 3 medium oranges: Freshly picked, ripe oranges are the foundation of this recipe. The vibrant peel is where all the essential oils and flavor reside, so you’ll want to choose oranges with a thick, deeply colored rind.
- 1 cup white sugar: The sugar is what transforms the orange peels into a sweet, crystallized treat. It’s important to use granulated white sugar, as it will create the perfect crunchy coating.
- 1 cup water: The water is combined with the sugar to create a simple syrup, which helps soften the peels and allows the sugar to adhere to the surface.
With these three humble ingredients, you can craft an exceptional Candied Orange Peel that will elevate your baking, cocktails, and even savory dishes.
Step-by-Step Candied Orange Peel Instructions
Preparing Your Candied Orange Peel
Preparing this Candied Orange Peel recipe is a straightforward process that takes just 15 minutes of hands-on time. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’ll need a sharp knife, a cutting board, a medium saucepan, and a cooling rack or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
1- Start by thoroughly washing the 3 medium oranges under running water, making sure to remove any dirt or residue. Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the orange rinds, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
2- Bring a pot of water to a boil and carefully add the orange peels. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes, then drain and repeat the process two more times. This helps to remove any bitterness from the peels.
3- In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and add the blanched orange peels.
4- Simmer the peels for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and the syrup has thickened slightly. Keep an eye on the mixture, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
5- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked peels to a cooling rack or a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool and dry for 10-15 minutes, then roll them in the remaining granulated sugar to coat.
6- Once the Candied Orange Peel is completely cooled and coated in the sugar, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Store the peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Pro Tips for Success
- Be patient during the simmering process – the longer the peels cook, the more tender and flavorful they will become.
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer, as a rapid boil can cause the peels to become tough.
- Resist the urge to overcrowd the peels in the saucepan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the cooked peels to cool completely before rolling them in the sugar to achieve the perfect crunchy coating.
- For a festive touch, try sprinkling the Candied Orange Peel with a hint of ground cinnamon or a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Serving and Storing Your Candied Orange Peel
Perfect Pairings for Candied Orange Peel
This Candied Orange Peel recipe makes a total of 12 servings, and it’s a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve the peels as a standalone snack, or use them to elevate your baked goods, cocktails, and even savory dishes.
For a classic pairing, try serving the Candied Orange Peel alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. The vibrant citrus notes and crunchy texture complement the aromatic beverages beautifully. You can also incorporate the peels into scones, muffins, or cakes for a delightful burst of flavor.
Looking to get creative? Sprinkle the Candied Orange Peel over vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a sweet and tangy treat. It also makes a wonderful addition to trail mixes, oatmeal, or even savory dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or a winter salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about this Candied Orange Peel recipe is that it keeps exceptionally well, making it the perfect homemade gift or make-ahead treat.
To store your Candied Orange Peel, simply place the cooled, sugar-coated peels in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the peels for up to 6 months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
If you’d like to get a head start on your holiday baking or gift-giving, you can easily make this recipe in advance. The cooked and sugared peels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to use, simply thaw the peels at room temperature and enjoy them as is or incorporate them into your favorite recipes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Candied Orange Peel
Creative Candied Orange Peel Variations
While this classic Candied Orange Peel recipe is a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try using different citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lemon, for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with adding warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom to the sugar coating for a festive twist.
For a tropical twist, consider dipping the Candied Orange Peel in melted dark chocolate or coating them in toasted coconut flakes. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try infusing the simple syrup with herbs, vanilla, or even a splash of your favorite liqueur.
Making Candied Orange Peel Diet-Friendly
While this Candied Orange Peel recipe is inherently gluten-free, it can also be adapted to suit other dietary needs. For a vegan version, simply use a plant-based sweetener, such as coconut sugar or maple syrup, in place of the white sugar.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can substitute the white sugar with an equal amount of your preferred sugar substitute, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary slightly from the original recipe.
No matter which dietary adaptations you choose, the essence of this Candied Orange Peel recipe will remain the same – a delightful, homemade treat that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of citrus fruit instead of oranges?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically for Candied Orange Peel, you can easily substitute other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, lemon, or even a mix of different peels. The process will remain the same, but the flavor profile may vary.
Q: How long does the total preparation and cooking time take?
A: This Candied Orange Peel recipe has a total time of 75 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cook time. Be sure to allow for the additional 10-15 minutes of cooling and drying time before coating the peels in sugar.
Q: Can I store the Candied Orange Peel for later use?
A: Yes, the Candied Orange Peel keeps exceptionally well. Store the cooled, sugar-coated peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the peels for up to 6 months.
Q: How many servings does this recipe yield?
A: This Candied Orange Peel recipe makes a total of 12 servings. The serving size can be adjusted depending on how you plan to use the peels – as a snack, garnish, or ingredient in baked goods or cocktails.
Q: What if my peels seem tough or bitter?
A: If your Candied Orange Peel turns out tough or bitter, it’s likely due to not blanching the peels thoroughly enough. Be sure to follow the instructions and blanch the peels three times to remove any bitterness. Additionally, be mindful of the simmering time, as overcooking can also lead to tough peels.
Candied Orange Peel
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the delightful simplicity of homemade Candied Orange Peel – a sweet, tangy, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for snacking, baking, or gifting. This easy recipe transforms orange peels into a mouthwatering confection with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients
– 3 medium oranges
– 1 cup white sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions
1. Peel the oranges, removing the zest in long strips, avoiding the white pith.
2. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the orange peels and boil for 15 minutes, then drain.
3. Return the blanched peels to the saucepan and add the sugar and 1 cup of fresh water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peels are translucent and the liquid has thickened to a syrup.
4. Remove the peels from the syrup using a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow to cool and dry, about 2 hours.
5. Once dry, the candied orange peels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For a chewier texture, cook the peels for a shorter time. For a crunchier texture, cook them longer. The candied peels can also be tossed in additional sugar for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Candied Orange Peel recipe is a true labor of love, but the end result is so worth it. The vibrant, citrusy flavor and satisfying crunch of the peels make them a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes, from baked goods to cocktails and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of homemade charm to your holiday gifts or simply want to indulge in a nostalgic treat, this Candied Orange Peel recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a batch of this irresistible confection that will have your family and friends clamoring for more.
Don’t forget to let me know how your Candied Orange Peel turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see any photos you’d like to share.
