Candied Orange Slices
When I was younger, my mom would take me to the candy shop in my hometown and we’d always get the chocolate covered orange slices. It became a sort of tradition, but now I make them whenever I’m home for the holidays. This recipe is exceedingly easy and will make your whole house or apartment smell like sweet oranges, but it does require a bit of self-control to stop yourself from eating the candied orange slices before they’re fully ready!
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 3 small or 2 large oranges (or any citrus fruit of your choice! This also works with lemons, grapefruits, etc.), washed and sliced into thin rounds, about ⅛-inch thin. I usually use a mandolin to do this evenly, but we’re not looking for perfection here.
- A large bowl of ice water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- Extra sugar OR tempered chocolate for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large bowl with water and ice and set aside.
- Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add the orange slices (and make sure there are no seeds). Boil for 1 minute and then put the orange slices into the bowl of ice water until cooled completely. Drain.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water and bring it to just a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Once the sugar is dissolved, lower heat to medium-low.
- Put the orange slices in the sugar-water mixture. Try to get them in a single layer, but don’t worry if it’s not exact. Simmer for 45 – 60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes or so. You’re waiting for the rinds to be slightly translucent.
- Remove the orange slices and lay them flat on a cooling rack. It’s best to put tin foil underneath the rack to catch any of the syrup. Let them cool completely, for about 1 hour or even overnight.