Homemade Candied Peel

So, let me tell you about this homemade candied peel that just brings a splash of sunshine to any snack or dessert. It’s super easy to make, really. Just taking citrus fruits—like, you know, oranges and lemons—and turning their peels into sweet little bites of joy. The process, while it seems a bit lengthy, is actually kinda meditative. The smell of simmering citrus just fills your kitchen, and, oh boy, it’s like a warm hug for your senses. Seriously, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, perfect for your taste buds…
• Super versatile—throw it into baked goods, or just snack on it straight-up!
• It’s a nostalgic throwback, reminding me of cozy family gatherings, and that makes everything taste better.
• Easy to customize: you can mix and match citrus fruits for a unique blend.
• It looks gorgeous when you serve it, adding a fancy touch to your dessert platters.

You won’t believe how much my family fights over the last pieces of this candied peel…

What You’ll Need

• 4 oranges: zesty and fragrant, the kind that you can practically smell a mile away!
• 4 lemons: bright and tart—perfect for balancing the sweetness.
• 1.5 liters of water: for boiling; yeah, you need this to get the good stuff out.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: for the syrup—just regular ol’ sugar, nothing fancy.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: and this is for coating, because, you know, it deserves to be sweetened even more!

Easy How-To

Peeling and Preparing

Okay, first things first—grab a vegetable peeler, or a sharp knife if that’s more your style, and carefully remove the peel from your oranges and lemons. Try really hard to leave most of that white pith behind—trust me, it’s super bitter and not nice at all. Just the bright colored skin is what we want here. Once you’ve got your peels, rinse them off to get rid of any wax or dirt, because… gross.

Rinsing and Soaking

Now, throw those peels into a saucepan and cover them with fresh water. Does it make sense? Well, bring it to a boil, then reduce that heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This part helps to sort of soften them up a bit. Once that’s done, drain and rinse the peels again; it’s like giving them a little spa treatment!

Making the Sweet Syrup

In the same saucepan—because, why dirty another one?—combine equal parts water and sugar. So, 1 cup of each, bring it to a gentle boil, just stirring until the sugar’s all dissolved. And then… oh boy, your kitchen’s about to smell incredible!

Simmering the Peels

Alright, add those rinsed peels back into your sugar syrup. Lower the heat and let them leisurely simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, until they turn all translucent and tender. Just pop in occasionally to stir them a bit, so they don’t stick or anything … it’s usually not an issue, but you never know.

Drying and Coating

When they look good and ready, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and lay them on a wire rack. Let them cool and dry for a few hours—overnight is even better if you can wait. They need to get to room temp and become a bit sticky. Once they’re dry, roll them in sugar. Just imagine that sweet sugar coating—it’s like a little winter wonderland on your peels. Shake off the extra, and voila!

Good to Know

• Feel free to mix and match citrus fruits; grapefruit peels are lovely, too.
• If you want a less sweet version, play with sugar amounts; maybe try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for fun.

Serving Ideas

• Just nibble on them as a sweet little treat, or chop them up and toss them into a fruit salad for a citrusy kick.

Top Tricks

• Use a vegetable peeler for long strips of peel—it’s faster and looks prettier!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fruit can I use for candied peel?

Oh, mainly citrus fruits work best! Oranges, lemons, limes—even grapefruits can be fabulous, adding a bit of zestiness to your candied creations!

Can I store candied peel?

Absolutely! Just make sure they’re in an airtight container, and they’ll hold up for several weeks. But let’s be real—you’ll probably eat them way before that!

How do I use candied peel in recipes?

You can sprinkle it in baking, or as a fancy touch on desserts. Even eat them straight up as a little sweet treat on their own… they’re super versatile!

Is candied peel suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yep, it’s totally vegan-friendly and vegetarian, no animal products whatsoever—just pure fruit and sugar goodness.

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So, there you go! This homemade candied peel is all about transforming those citrus fruits into something magical—and I really hope you give it a whirl. Trust me, you’ll be delighted by how it can brighten up your desserts, just like a ray of sunshine on a chilly day!