I’ll be the first to say that everybody needs a little candy now and then. But I know that many parents are worried about buying sugary, chemical-laden treats at the supermarket. How can you avoid candy aisle tantrums but know you’re keeping your little ones healthy? Make your own candy!
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The great thing about this recipe is that you can create something new and exciting from three simple ingredients you probably already have. This recipe only calls for the peel of the oranges…but I’m sure you can find something to do with the rest of the orange! You also give the orange pieces a toss in sugar at the end to coat – you will have leftover sugar with a wonderful orange scent, so store it in a sealed container and use in drinks or baked goods for an extra kick.
Check out more delicious ideas and recipes at BakingandMistaking.com!
Candied Orange Peel
3 medium oranges
3 cups sugar
3 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
Wash and pat dry the oranges. Slice off the top
and bottom of the oranges. Score the outside peel in four pieces, and
peel off the skin. Eat the orange. Offer some orange slices to your
friends.
Dice the peel in to even strips, about 1/8″ each.
Bring a pot of water to boil, and add the strips of peel. Boil for 15 minutes, then drain and rinse well.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and 3 cups
sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add
the orange strips and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook,
checking occasionally, for 45 minutes. Keep at a low, uniform simmer –
the syrup should not turn brown.
Drain the peel, do NOT rinse.
Spread out on a piece of foil, and sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup sugar on top. Toss until evenly coated.
Here you can take two routes: Spread the peel on a
baking sheet, and stick it on the oven on the lowest setting (for me it
is 170 F). Bake, tossing every 5 minutes, before about 20 minutes,
until the pieces are dry to the touch. Or leave out on a sheet for 24
hours.
