These candied orange zest strips are a delightful treat that captures the bright, aromatic essence of fresh oranges. By simmering the peels in a simple sugar syrup, they transform from bitter rind into tender, translucent jewels coated in sparkling sugar. The result is a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang, with a chewy texture that holds up beautifully. While delicious on their own, they are also fantastic for decorating cakes, folding into biscotti, or adding a pop of color to holiday platters. This recipe yields a versatile ingredient that elevates both sweet and savory dishes, making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
Candied Orange Zest
Description
These candied orange zest strips are a delightful treat that captures the bright, aromatic essence of fresh oranges. By simmering the peels in a simple sugar syrup, they transform from bitter rind into tender, translucent jewels coated in sparkling sugar. The result is a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy tang, with a chewy texture that holds up beautifully. While delicious on their own, they are also fantastic for decorating cakes, folding into biscotti, or adding a pop of color to holiday platters. This recipe yields a versatile ingredient that elevates both sweet and savory dishes, making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen repertoire.Ingredients
Directions
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Peel the oranges, removing only the colored outer zest and leaving as much white pith as possible for easier handling, though some pith is acceptable.
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Cut the orange peels into uniform strips, approximately 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long.
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In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water over medium heat.
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Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
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Add the orange peel strips to the boiling syrup and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
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Simmer the peels for about 12 minutes, or until they become translucent and tender.
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Check that the syrup has thickened slightly; it should coat the back of a spoon.
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Remove the candied peels from the syrup using a slotted spoon and let excess syrup drip off.
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Toss the warm peels in 3 cups of granulated sugar until evenly coated and crystallized.
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Spread the sugared peels on a wire rack or parchment paper to dry in a single layer, away from humidity.
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Once completely dry and no longer sticky, store in an airtight tin to maintain crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 47.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 0.0mg0%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.0g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.4g10%
- Sugars 9.0g
- Protein 0.9g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
