Orange Peel Candy

So what do you do with all those oranges the kid next door talked you into buying?

My Croatian grandmother makes these every year around the holidays. Recently, I started to carry on the tradition. I’ve noticed that Martha Stewart has caught on too. This recipe was in the December 2008 issue. I usually juice the oranges to have fresh squeezed orange juice for the holidays. Then I use the remaining parts of the orange for the candy.

I usually strain the juice several times to get all the pulp out.

Oranges after juicing.

Cut the orange peel into 1/4 inch strips. I like to cut them into triangles.
Be sure to remove the pith.

You will need to blanch the orange peels 3 times. Blanching means you need to cover the peels with cold water and then bring to a boil. This will remove the bitterness from the peel.

Strain and repeat with the cold water. Bring to a boil. Strain and repeat a third time. On the fourth time bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil before adding the peels (I used 8 cups water and 8 cups sugar because I used 16 oranges). Simmer until the peels look translucent.

Cover in sugar – I add a little nutmeg and cinnamon to spice it up a bit.

Dry the peels on a wire rack until firm.

Finished candy, juice and orange syrup.