Recipe: Wanda's Pie in the Sky Homemade Candied Orange Peel

CANDIED ORANGE PEEL

"You'll be amazed at how truly delicious these are when made fresh. An ideal accompaniment to other desserts, they are perfect for nibbling, especially when dipped in chocolate, and make a very welcome gift."

3 or 4 Navel oranges*
1 1/2 cups (360mL) granulated sugar
2/3 cup (160mL) water (more as needed)
Granulated sugar, for coating
Semisweet chocolate, melted (optional, for dipping)

Trim the bottom and top of each orange. Run a knife down the sides of the orange in quarters, cutting through the pith, just to the flesh. Peel off the rind in quarters and slice each into strips 1/4 to 1/3inch (.6 to .8 cm) wide. Cover with water and refrigerate overnight.*

Drain and cover with fresh water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 1 minute. Drain.

Combine the sugar with the 2/3 cup (160 mL) water and boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the orange strips to the syrup and simmer over low heat for about 50 to 60 minutes, until soft and syrupy, adding water as needed to prevent scorching. Do not stir, but swirl the pan occasionally.* Drain.

Roll the strips in sugar. Dip in melted chocolate, if desired. Store in a tightly closed container to maintain the soft texture for up to 3 weeks.

*NOTES:
- It is essential to use thick-skinned oranges and to soak the peel overnight to remove the natural bitterness.
- Do not stir the mixture while it is cooking to prevent crystallization of the syrup.

Makes 6 dozen strips
Source: Wanda's Pie in the Sky by Wanda Beaver (Based on the recipes from her successful bakery, Wanda's Pie in the Sky Cookbook Cafe)