Imagine transforming ordinary orange peels into a gourmet delicacy that bursts with warm, aromatic spices and a perfect balance of sweetness. These Spiced Candied Orange Peels are not just a simple dessert, but a culinary adventure that turns kitchen waste into a luxurious treat that will impress even the most discerning food lovers. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you'll create a confection that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large oranges
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the oranges under cold water to remove any wax or pesticides. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the outer peel of the oranges, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith as much as possible. Aim for long strips of peel, about 1/4 inch wide.
- Once you have your orange peels, place them in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- After the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the peels cook for about 10 minutes. This blanching process helps to soften the peels and reduce bitterness.
- Once the peels have simmered, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the peels aside.
- In the same saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
- Add the blanched orange peels to the syrup, along with the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir gently to ensure the peels are well coated with the syrup and spices.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peels will absorb the syrup and become translucent, while the syrup thickens.
- After 45 minutes, check the consistency of the syrup. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Once the peels are done cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a fork or slotted spoon, carefully transfer the candied orange peels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Allow the peels to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, they will become slightly sticky.
- If desired, you can roll the cooled peels in granulated sugar to give them an extra sweet coating. This step is optional but adds a nice texture.
- Once fully cooled and set, store the spiced candied orange peels in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed as a sweet treat, used as a garnish for desserts, or added to baked goods.
Tips
- Choose organic oranges if possible to avoid wax and pesticides, and ensure thorough washing.
- When removing the peel, try to minimize the white pith, which can add bitterness to your candied peels.
- Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking allows the peels to absorb the syrup and become tender.
- Use a candy thermometer if you want precision in syrup consistency.
- For extra flavor variation, experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom or star anise.
- Store your candied peels in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavor.
- These make excellent homemade gifts when packaged beautifully in decorative jars or bags.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
