Description
Delightful homemade candied orange slices bring Mediterranean sunshine to dessert tables. Sweet citrus treats combine simple ingredients with patient cooking techniques, offering elegant garnishes for cakes, pastries, and holiday presentations you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 small oranges (like tangelos)
- 4 cups (800 grams) granulated sugar
- 8 cups (1920 milliliters) water
Coating and Preparation:
- Granulated sugar (for coating)
Liquid:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ice water
Instructions
- Prepare a generous bowl of ice water and set it nearby for quick cooling.
- Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot, then gently immerse orange slices for precisely 2 minutes, ensuring even exposure to hot water.
- Immediately transfer orange slices to the prepared ice bath to halt cooking process and preserve texture.
- Create a sweet syrup by combining water and sugar in a saucepan, heating and stirring until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes clear.
- Carefully lower orange slices into the warm syrup, maintaining a gentle simmer for 45-60 minutes, periodically rotating slices to ensure even candying.
- Watch for translucent appearance, indicating oranges have absorbed syrup and transformed texture.
- Remove slices using a slotted spoon and arrange on a wire cooling rack positioned over a baking sheet to catch drips.
- Allow oranges to air dry for 12-24 hours, enabling syrup to crystallize and create a delicate, glossy finish.
- Optional: Roll dried candied orange slices in granulated sugar for an extra sweet, sparkling coating.
Notes
- Blanching softens the orange peel and removes any bitterness, making the candied slices more palatable and tender.
- Using a sharp knife ensures clean, even orange slices that will cook uniformly and look professionally prepared.
- Choose organic oranges when possible to avoid potential pesticide residues and achieve a more natural, pure candied result.
- Store candied orange slices in an airtight container between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture for up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg