Candied Orange Peel
During the winter months, when citrus is in season, I find myself eating a lot of oranges. I also find myself with a lot of orange peels. I dry some and powder them up for use in baking and cooking. Another fun use for orange peels is to turn them into a candy.
Candied orange peels are pretty easy to make and a nifty way of turning something that might otherwise be discarded into something tasty. You can also candy other citrus peel this way like grapefruit and lemons. The same process can be used to make candied ginger.
Once finished, the candied peels can also be dipped in dark chocolate for a special treat.
They make a nice gift, too.
Candied Orange Peel
2 large oranges ( you can also use 1 grapefruit or 3 lemons)
or 1 lb. of ginger root*
¾ c. water
¾ c. sugar, plus extra for rolling
3 T. light corn syrup, optional
Remove peel from fruit using a sharp knife. Try to get the peel off in 4 pieces. Cut the peel into ¼-inch wide strips. Place peel in a pot with cold water and bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute, drain and rinse under cold water. Repeat process 2 more times. Return to pan with fresh water and boil 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Bring ¾ c. water and ¾ c. sugar to boil in sauce pan with the corn syrup. Boil 2-3 minutes and then add the peel. Simmer, stirring occasionally until all but a spoonful of the syrup is left. This should take about 10 minutes. On a wax-paper lined baking sheet sprinkle 1 cup of sugar and arrange the peels on top of the sugar. Toss the peels around until cooled adding more sugar if needed. Place peels on a drying rack for 24 hours before storing. Once dried you can also dip one end of the peels in dark chocolate. Makes ½ pound.
* If making the candied ginger root, peel and cut into 1/4- inch slices. Then cut the slices into 1/4-inch thick strips
Cocoa Mint Hearts
Cocoa Mint Hearts
If you want an easy chocolate treat to make these may just be what you are looking for. They are a simple candy that require little time and no cooking. Easy enough for kids to help, too.
Cocoa Mint Hearts
9 c. powdered sugar
1 c. cocoa
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. water
2 t. peppermint extract
In large bowl combine ingredients until well blended. You can add more water, if needed, 1 teaspoon at a time. Divide mixture into 2 pieces and shape in balls. Place each between sheets of wax paper and roll out to 1/4 -inch thickness. Cut out with tiny cutters and place on foil-lined tray. Chill several hours, then wrap up in colored foil or place in tiny candy bags. Makes 80 1-inch candies.
Roll out between wax paper
Cut out with heart-shaped cookie cutters
