Candied Citrus Peels

Do you have lots of extra citrus peels lying around?? Instead of throwing them in the garbage, why not make some delicious candied citrus peels?  They're pretty darn easy to make, & the taste-testers agree - they are really great ........ I think they taste almost like healthy gummy bear treats.
Plus, you can feel really green & waste less by using your citrus peel that would otherwise go into the garbage or compost.

Fix some up today & you will not regret it!!



I found the recipe in a the Edible East Bay magazine.  It was in a article of recipes by Siew-Chinn Chin, pastry chef at Chez Panisse in SF.  What a great idea!! I used oranges, but you can use any citrus rind.

Siew Chinn's Candied Citrus Peels
1.  Take your discarded peals, and place them in a saucepan.  Add enough cold water to cover the peals, and bring to a boil.
2.  Now simmer for 10-15 minutes.  Drain the water & repeat the process again (covering the peals w/ cold water & bringing to a boil).

For most oranges, it should take about 3-4 times of repeating this process - mine were done after 3 times.
Mandarins or tangerines should also take 3-4 times.
Meyer lemons only need to be blanched 2 times.
Grapefruits are more bitter & need to be blanched 5-6 times.

3.  Once done, drain the peels & cool completely.  Now scoop out most of the inner pith (white stuff) w/ a spoon. - leave a little bit for the sugar to stick to.  I then cut the peels into strips and chunks.
4.  In a wide frying or saucepan, add 2 parts sugar to 1 part water.  (Just make enough of this mixture to cover the peels that you have - it really doesn't take very much)  Bring to a boil & cook until the sugar is all dissolved.
5.  Now add your peel strips and bring it back to a boil.  Reduce heat to a low simmer.

(Siew-Chinn recommends to now put a piece of parchment paper & a plate over the peels to flatten them - I just used a spatula)
You can tell they're done cooking when the peels are translucent.
6.  Remove the peels from the syrup & place on a wire rack to dry.  This will take 1-2 days depending on how dry your place is - mine were done overnight.
7.  Once dried, roll the peels in some sugar and cover to coat.

That's it! - You're done & they're a yummy treat! ENjoy - you can have these by themselves, add to pies or cakes, or serve over ice cream -Mmmmmm!

"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world." - Helen Keller