Candied Orange Peel for Christmas: 5 Sweet Tips to Savor

There’s something truly magical about making Candied Orange Peel for Christmas. The bright, zesty aroma of fresh oranges fills the kitchen, instantly transforming it into a warm, festive haven. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was a snowy afternoon, and the whole house smelled like sunshine. Using fresh oranges not only gives that vibrant taste but also makes the process feel special. The sweet, chewy texture of the candied peels is simply irresistible, and they add a delightful pop to any holiday treat. Whether you’re snacking on them straight from the jar or using them to jazz up your baked goods, this little gem of a recipe is a must-have during the Christmas season. Trust me, once you start making them, you’ll find yourself craving them year-round!

Ingredients List

To make the most delightful Candied Orange Peel for Christmas, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 4 large oranges – Fresh and juicy oranges are key for that vibrant flavor.
• 2 cups sugar – This will sweeten the peels and create that irresistible candy texture.
• 1 cup water – To dissolve the sugar and create the syrup for simmering the peels.

Make sure to pick oranges that feel heavy for their size, which usually means they’re full of juice. Trust me, it makes a difference!

How to Prepare Candied Orange Peel for Christmas

Now, let’s dive into the magic of making your own Candied Orange Peel for Christmas. It’s a simple process, and I promise it’s totally worth the effort! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have deliciously sweet peels in no time.

Step 1: Wash the Oranges

First things first, you’ll want to wash the oranges thoroughly. This step is super important! Oranges often come coated with wax or pesticides, and we don’t want any of that lingering on our sweet treats. Give them a good scrub under running water and dry them off with a clean towel.

Step 2: Peel and Cut the Oranges

Next up, let’s peel those oranges! I like to use a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin, making sure to avoid too much of the white pith—it’s bitter and we want our candy to be sweet. Once peeled, cut the orange peels into strips about half an inch wide. This size is perfect for soaking up that sugary syrup later on!

Step 3: Blanch the Peels

Now, we need to blanch the peels to soften them and remove some of that bitterness. Bring a pot of water to a boil and toss the peels in for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial; it helps prepare the peels for the candying process. After 10 minutes, drain the peels and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 4: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

In a medium pot, combine the sugar and water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. You want a nice, clear syrup—no granules left behind! When it reaches a rolling boil, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 5: Simmer the Peels

Now, add your blanched peels to the bubbling syrup. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let those peels soak in the sweetness for an hour. This is where the magic happens! The peels will absorb that lovely sugar syrup and become tender and sweet. Just make sure to stir them occasionally to ensure even candying.

Step 6: Drying and Coating

Once the hour is up, remove the peels from the syrup (don’t discard that syrup just yet—it’s perfect for sweetening tea or cocktails!). Place the peels on a wire rack to dry for about 4-6 hours. Once they’re dry, roll them in some sugar for that extra sweetness and sparkle. They’ll be ready to enjoy or store in an airtight container!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Candied Orange Peel for Christmas recipe is a holiday must-have, and here’s why:

• Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it perfect for last-minute holiday treats!
• Festive Flavor: The bright, citrusy taste elevates any dish, adding a cheerful zing to your Christmas goodies.
• Versatile Usage: Whether you use them in baking, as a garnish, or just enjoy them straight from the jar, they fit in perfectly wherever you need a sweet touch.
• Homemade Charm: Nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own candy! It’s a great way to impress family and friends.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Candied Orange Peel for Christmas turns out perfectly, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Choose the Right Oranges: Select thick-skinned, organic oranges if possible. They yield better peels with less bitterness.
• Peeling Technique: Use a sharp vegetable peeler for easier peeling, which can help minimize the pith left on the orange peel.
• Simmering Time: Don’t rush the simmering process! An hour allows the peels to soak up the syrup’s sweetness, so keep the heat low and stir occasionally.
• Drying Thoroughly: Make sure the peels dry completely on the wire rack; this helps them get that perfect chewy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Candied Orange Peel for Christmas fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about two weeks, but trust me, they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to a month. Just make sure they’re fully dry before storing to avoid any stickiness.

There’s no need to reheat these sweet treats, but if you want to enjoy them warm, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will bring out that lovely citrus aroma again. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional information for Candied Orange Peel for Christmas, based on a serving size of 1 ounce:

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific oranges you use and how much sugar sticks to the peels after drying. Enjoy these sweet treats in moderation, and let their delightful flavor bring joy to your holiday season!

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions I get about making Candied Orange Peel for Christmas:

• How long can I store candied orange peel? You can keep your candied orange peel in an airtight container at room temperature for about two weeks. If you want them to last longer, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life to about a month.
• What can I use candied orange peel for? The uses are endless! You can add them to baked goods like cookies or cakes, use them as a garnish for cocktails, or even enjoy them as a sweet snack on their own!
• Can I make variations of this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar syrup for an extra festive touch. You might even try using lemon or grapefruit peels for a different flavor!
• What if my peels turn out too bitter? If you find the peels too bitter, try blanching them a little longer next time or using a sweeter variety of oranges. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!

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