Candied orange peels

Recipe for Candied Orange Peels

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of candied orange peels, which add a touch of freshness and a sweet-tart flavor to dishes? This delight is not only a wonderful ingredient for cakes and creams but also a refined choice to transform any dessert into a true culinary masterpiece. I invite you to discover with me this simple yet charming recipe for making candied orange peels, perfect for enjoying in various combinations.

Preparation time: 3 days (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 3 days and 2 hours
Number of servings: 10-12 servings (depending on use)

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of orange peels (as fresh as possible, preferably organic)
- 1 kg of sugar
- 700 ml of water
- 100 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the orange peels:
- Before starting, make sure you have high-quality fresh oranges available.
- Peel the oranges, being careful to keep the peels as intact as possible. Save the pulp for use in other delicious recipes, such as a smoothie or fruit salad.
- Place the peels in a bowl of cold water. It is important to change the water 2-3 times a day for 3 days. This process helps remove the bitterness from the peels, resulting in a more pleasant taste.

2. Cleaning the peels:
- After 3 days, drain the peels and clean off the inner white skin. Ensure you have 1 kg of cleaned peels remaining.
- Cut the peels into thin strips, similar to matchsticks. This will facilitate the cooking process and allow the syrup to absorb evenly.

3. Preparing the syrup:
- In a large pot, add the water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely.
- Once the syrup begins to boil, add the cut orange peels and the freshly squeezed orange juice. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours. It is essential to stir constantly, especially towards the end, to prevent the syrup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Adding the vanilla:
- With 10 minutes left in cooking, add the vanilla sugar and gently stir to dissolve it. The aroma of vanilla will perfectly complement the flavor of the candied orange peels.

5. Packing the candied peels:
- Once the peels are soft and the syrup has reduced, remove the pot from heat. Let the peels cool slightly, then transfer them to well-dried jars.
- Seal the jars and wrap them in blankets to cool gradually. This method helps preserve the flavors and achieve a pleasant texture.

Serving suggestions:
Candied orange peels are wonderful in cakes, tortes, or creams. You can add pieces of peels to cookie recipes or even in meat sauces, providing a unique contrast. Additionally, you can use them as a garnish for desserts, offering an elegant and colorful appearance.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Candied orange peels have a moderate caloric content, containing approximately 250 calories per 100 grams. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to strengthening the immune system and maintaining healthy skin.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use store-bought orange peels?
It is recommended to use fresh peels for superior taste and aroma. Store-bought peels are often treated with chemicals.

- How can I store the candied peels?
Keep the jars in cool, dark places. Once opened, the peels can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks.

- Are there variations of the recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with other flavors, such as cinnamon or ginger, adding them to the cooking syrup.

Personalized variant:
If you want to add an exotic touch, try replacing part of the white sugar with coconut sugar or honey. These alternatives will add a pleasant flavor and a more complex taste to the candied orange peels.

Now that you have discovered this delicious and versatile recipe, I encourage you to try it at home. You will bring a touch of magic to your kitchen and impress anyone with these candied orange peels, for sure! Don't forget to share the final result with friends and family, and they will surely appreciate your effort and creativity in the kitchen. Bon appétit!