“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.”
- Francis Bacon

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

♥EZ Delicious Candied Citrus Peels♥


This holiday, I wanted to make homemade candy as one of my edible gifts for friends, and I concluded that candied citrus fruit would be the perfect choice. The recipe only calls for fruit, which I always have on hand, and sugar. Candy making doesn't get more basic than that!

I used oranges, but any combination of lemons, oranges, and grapefruit would be wonderful. I can't wait to give this handmade, preservative-free candy to my friends and family. Of course, the standards will all be on hand, too, but I thought I'd start the recipe chain with these☺

Ingredients

Makes 2 1/2 cups
  • 2 grapefruits, 3 oranges, or 4 lemons
  • 4 cups sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 4 cups water

Directions

  1. Using a paring knife, make 6 slits along curve from top to bottom of each citrus fruit, cutting through peel but not into fruit. Using your fingers, gently remove peel. Reserve fruit for another use. Slice each piece of peel lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Using a paring knife, remove excess pith from each strip and discard.
  2. Place strips in a large saucepan, and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then drain. Repeat twice.
  3. Bring sugar and water to a boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring. Wash sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar crystals from forming. Add strips to boiling syrup, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently until strips are translucent, about 1 hour. Remove from heat, and let strips cool in syrup. (Strips in syrup will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 weeks.)
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer strips to a wire rack placed on a rimmed baking sheet. Wipe off excess syrup with paper towels, then roll strips in sugar. Arrange in a single layer on a wire rack, and let dry for at least 30 minutes. Sugared peels will keep, covered at room temperature, for up to 2 weeks.

8 comments:

Lucy said...

Imagine a few strips inside a box of homemade Christmas cookies? My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Lisa said...

Hi! This sounds so yummy! I have been reading your blog but cannot get my computer at home to load the comment box! I have tried and tried for over a week! No idea why , my new internet is super slow. I really enjoyed your blessings each day in November! They were such a refreshing thing to read! Thank you for sharing!
Hugs, Lisa

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh MiMi...
Does this ever sound great. I love it. I am going to have to try this one. I actually think the kids will love it. They do love oranges, and I have a lemon tree full of lemons right now. They should be ready to start picking any day now. Imagine that. Picking lemons in December.

Stop by soon. I love it when you visit. Country hugs..Sherry

~Kristen~ said...

Yummy!!! I love fruity candy!!!

Sandi McBride said...

I went into sugar overdrive just looking at the lusciousness on this page! Wow! You are a artist!
hugs
Sandi

Anonymous said...

Did you see Ann's doing virtual cookie exchange? Think these qualify? They look yummy. I'm expanding my blog and posting some stories. Will be interested to see what you all have to say. It's scary for me to post them. :) Jenn

crochet lady said...

That is something I have never made before. Looks tasty. Those will make a nice gift!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Looks delicious! Will make a great gift with all your other goodies. :) Best wishes to you, Tammy