How to make candied orange peels

How to make candied orange peels

Candied orange peels are exactly what the name says. They are orange peels that have been made into candies. They are perfect for adding that subtle flavour to cakes. And not just orange cakes. You can use them in chocolate cakes, plain vanilla cakes, butterscotch cakes, pineapple cakes and many more. Who says you have to stick to convention? 

There are a few points to keep in mind while making candied peels. The most common question query is wont they taste bitter. Well the thin outermost layer of orange peels is not bitter. The white layer next to it is. So when you are peeling the orange make sure that you stay away from the white. So let us start the process. 

Ingredients

1 orange

½ cup sugar

5 tbsp water

Take one orange. Make sure it is bright orange and not those greenish orangish ones. Take a very sharp knife and slowly start peeling the orange, and only the orange layer. 

Do take care of your fingers because the knife has to be really sharp and the work really delicate. It doesn’t matter if you peel a long strip or really small ones. 

And in case you do manage to peel some white portion along then don’t worry. Try to gently cut off the white one as much as possible. 

 

If totally impossible then discard that piece of peel. This is how your poor shorn orange will look like. 

Try to find a volunteer who will now finish off the orange for you. 

It is always better if you try and peel a full orange and not the discarded peels. Once you take off the peel and eat the orange taking of the outer layer will prove more difficult.

Now that you have peeled the orange chop the peels into thin strips. 

Take 1/2  cup of sugar and 5 tbsp water. Bring to a boil and drop the chopped peels in the syrup. Simmer for about 7 minutes in the syrup. If the syrup becomes too thick then a tablespoon or two of water.

Now drain the water and spread the peels to dry. The best way to dry them is under a bright summer sun. However if you need them soon then you can dry them in the oven.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar on the peels and shake them well. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees. Bake for 10 minutes. Then keep in room temperature for two days. Your candied peels are ready to use.