Candied Orange Slices

Why Make This Recipe

Candied orange slices are not just a delightful treat—they are incredibly versatile and can brighten up a variety of dishes. Making these sweet, chewy treats at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavor, ensuring that they meet your preferences perfectly. They make a beautiful garnish for cakes and pastries, add a burst of flavor to a cheese platter, or can be simply enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack. By preparing your own candied orange slices, you also get the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, letting you enjoy the fruits of your labor in many delightful ways.

How to Make Candied Orange Slices

Creating candied orange slices is a simple process that results in a beautiful and tasty treat. Follow these easy steps to make your own candied orange slices.

Ingredients

• 2 oranges
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water

Directions

1. Slice the Oranges: Start by slicing the oranges thinly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. This will help the slices cook evenly and absorb the sugar syrup well. Make sure to remove any seeds you find as you slice.

2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s dissolved, bring the syrup to a gentle boil. This step is crucial as it creates the sweet base that will candy the orange slices.

3. Add the Orange Slices: After the syrup is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Carefully add the orange slices to the warm syrup. Be cautious while doing this to prevent any splashing of hot syrup.

4. Simmer: Let the orange slices simmer in the syrup for about 45 minutes. During this time, the slices will soften and become translucent. Stir them occasionally to ensure they do not stick together and get evenly coated with the syrup.

5. Cool the Slices: After they are done simmering, remove the slices from the syrup. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool and dry completely. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.

6. Enjoy or Store: Once the candied orange slices have cooled, you can enjoy them right away! Use them as a decorative touch on cakes or cupcakes, add them to a cheese platter, or simply snack on them.

How to Serve Candied Orange Slices

There are countless ways to serve candied orange slices, and they can enhance both the visual appeal and flavor of many dishes. Here are some serving ideas:

• Garnish: Use candied orange slices to garnish cakes, cupcakes, or pies. Their bright color and shiny texture make desserts look more appealing and sophisticated.

• Cheese Boards: Pair candied orange slices with a selection of cheeses. They add a sweet and zesty contrast to rich, creamy cheeses.

• In Salads: Chop them up and add them to salads for a sweet surprise that complements greens and vinaigrettes beautifully.

• Desserts: Incorporate them into desserts like trifles, tarts, or yogurt parfaits. They add a chewy texture and a burst of flavor.

• Gifts: Package them nicely to give as a homemade gift. People appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating something special.

How to Store Candied Orange Slices

Proper storage of your candied orange slices ensures they maintain their flavor and texture for as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to store them:

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled candied orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to two weeks this way.

• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, consider storing them in the fridge. Stored correctly, they can last for up to a month. Just be sure to keep them in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing moisture.

• Freezing: For even longer storage, you can freeze the slices. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, and be sure to remove as much air as possible. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature or use them straight from the freezer in recipes.

Tips to Make Candied Orange Slices

Creating the perfect candied orange slices can be easy if you keep a few tips in mind:

• Choose Fresh Oranges: Select firm, fresh oranges for the best flavor. Organic oranges are also a good option since they are less likely to have pesticides and wax coatings.

• Thickness of Slices: Keep your slices uniform at 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and become candy-coated properly.

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the syrup slightly. Alternatively, you can add a little lemon juice to cut the sweetness while adding a bit of acidity for balance.

• Extra Flavors: Consider adding spices such as cinnamon, star anise, or vanilla extract to the syrup for additional flavor. This can give a unique twist to your candied orange slices.

• Patience is Key: Letting the oranges simmer long enough is essential. If you remove them too soon, they may not absorb enough syrup and might not achieve the desired texture.

Variation

While the classic candied orange slices are delightful, there are several variations you can try to mix things up:

• Other Citrus Fruits: Experiment with other citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, or grapefruits. Each fruit offers a unique flavor and balancing acidity.

• Chocolate-Dipped Orange Slices: After the orange slices have dried, dip half in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent twist. Allow the chocolate to set, and you have a fancy treat perfect for gift-giving.

• Spiced Candied Slices: Add spices like ginger or cloves to your sugar syrup for a warm flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

• Granulated Sugar or Coconut Coating: Once the orange slices are dried, roll them in granulated sugar or shredded coconut for an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

FAQs

1. Are candied orange slices healthy?

Candied orange slices are a sweet treat and contain sugar, but they also provide some nutritional benefits. Oranges are a good source of Vitamin C and other nutrients. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. Can I use other fruits for candying?

Yes! Many fruits can be candied using a similar process. Consider trying apples, pineapples, or berries for various flavors and textures.

3. How do I know when the candied orange slices are done?

Candied orange slices should be translucent and soft when finished. They should hold their shape but have a chewy texture. If they still have a lot of syrup clinging to them, they likely need more simmering time.

4. Can I use the leftover syrup?

Absolutely! The leftover syrup can be used to sweeten beverages, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, or even add flavor to cocktails. Don’t throw it away!

5. How can I tell if my candied orange slices have gone bad?

If the slices are sticky, have an off smell, or show signs of mold, it’s best to discard them. Proper storage in an airtight container can help prolong their freshness.

6. Can I candy other types of citrus peels?

Yes! Orange peels, lemon peels, and even grapefruit peels can be candied. Just be sure to adjust the simmering time as needed, as peels might require more or less time based on thickness.

Candied orange slices are a versatile treat that enhances many dishes, perfect for snacking, garnishing, or gifting. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create your own delicious batches at home! Enjoy the sweet taste of homemade candied oranges and the satisfaction that comes with making something delightful from scratch.

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