Delicious Classic Candied Orange Slices Recipe for Sweet Bliss
Oh, the sweet, sun-kissed joy of candied orange slices! I remember the first time I tasted them—my grandmother would keep a jar of these glowing, sugary slices on her kitchen counter, and I would sneak in for just one more. The vibrant citrus aroma would waft through her lovely kitchen, mingling with the warmth of cinnamon and love, creating a perfectly cozy atmosphere. Every bite was a burst of flavor, a little slice of sunshine! That’s what inspired me to share this Classic Candied Orange Slices Recipe with you—it’s such a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of the year, but especially during the holidays.
Making these candied slices is not only simple but super therapeutic; standing by the stove, watching the oranges transform into glistening jewels is a sight to behold. So, pull up a chair, and let’s make some magical candied oranges together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
- Perfect for gifting—put them in a jar, and you’re all set!
- Great for adding a zesty sweetness to desserts or breakfast.
- Can be enjoyed as a snack or a fancy topping for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to create your very own candied orange slices:
- 2 large organic oranges (the more fragrant, the better)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?)
Just a helpful note: Using organic oranges means no chemicals or pesticides on the peel, which is essential since we’re using it in our process. Plus, the flavor is much brighter!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the fun part! Here’s how to make your own candy orange slices:
- Prepare the Oranges: Start by washing the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Then, slice them into thin rounds—about 1/4 inch thick. Remove any seeds you might see. If you find your slices are uneven, no worries! Each piece has its own unique charm.
- Blanch the Slices: Place the orange slices in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Let the oranges boil for about 3 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water. This step helps reduce the bitterness of the peel.
- Make the Syrup: In the same pot, combine the 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. Stir it over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract at this stage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cook the Slices: Carefully add the blanched orange slices into the sugary syrup. Lower the heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Let those beautiful slices simmer for about 45-60 minutes. You want them to become tender and translucent—don’t rush this part! The longer they simmer, the better they’ll crystallize later.
- Drying Time: Once the slices have cooked and softened, remove them from the syrup. Place them on a cooling rack (a cookie sheet works too) lined with parchment paper. Let them cool completely—this might take a few hours. You can even leave them overnight to get perfectly dry without any fuss.
- Coat in Sugar: If you want that extra sugar sparkle, roll the slices in granulated sugar while they’re still a bit sticky, right after they cool. Get ready; this is the magical transformation that’ll have you smiling from ear to ear!
Pro Tip: If you have any leftover syrup, don’t toss it! You can save it to drizzle over pancakes, ice cream, or even mixed into cocktails for that zesty zing.
Pro Tips & Variations
Let’s have some fun with these candied slices! Here are a few variations that could take your recipe to the next level:
- Spices: Consider adding a stick of cinnamon or a few cardamom pods to the simmering syrup for an intriguing hint of spice.
- Chocolate Dip: For a decadent twist, dip the cooled orange slices in melted chocolate—dark, milk, or white chocolate will work wonders!
- Other Citrus Fruits: Experiment by using lemons or grapefruits for a different flavor profile. You could even do a mix of all three!
- Make it Boozy: Adding a splash of rum or Grand Marnier to the syrup can elevate the flavor—such a treat for adult gatherings!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made your beautiful candied orange slices, how can you enjoy them? The options are endless! Here are some cozy suggestions:
- Enjoy them just as they are, as a delightful snack!
- Use them as an eye-catching garnish on a holiday cheese platter.
- Slice them into smaller pieces to decorate cakes, tarts, or cupcakes—imagine their glistening beauty!
- Add them to a lovely cup of tea for a citrusy twist.
- Pile them onto your breakfast oatmeal or yogurt for a little extra pizazz—who doesn’t want fancy breakfast?
When you serve these candied slices, I promise they will become the talk of the table! The vibrant colors, delightful texture, and irresistible flavor are bound to leave everyone enchanted.
Storage Tips
Now, let’s talk about how to keep these beauties fresh so that you have some for later:
- Refrigeration: Store the cooled candied orange slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 2 to 3 weeks—incredible, right?
- Freezing: Want to keep them for an extended time? Pop them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They should last up to 3 months! Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
- Reheating: There’s no need for reheating; just let them come to room temperature, and they’ll be ready to shine!
FAQs
Can I use other types of oranges for this recipe?
Absolutely! While navel oranges are fantastic, you can experiment with blood oranges for a stunning color and flavor contrast. Just keep in mind that different orange varieties may have slightly different flavors and sweetness levels.
How thick should I slice the oranges?
A thickness of about 1/4 inch works best. If they are too thin, they may get too crispy; if too thick, they could take longer to candy. Finding that sweet spot is key!
What do I do if the slices break apart while cooking?
No big deal at all! Just let them cool, and if they break, you can still use those pieces in desserts or even mix them into baking recipes. Waste not, want not!
How can I tell when the slices are done cooking?
Look for translucent slices that are tender to the touch. They should be soft but not mushy. If in doubt, just give one a taste—they should have a sweet, zesty flavor with a lovely chewy texture.
What kind of sugar can I use?
Granulated sugar is traditional and gives the best results, but you could experiment with other natural sweeteners like honey or a sugar substitute. Just bear in mind that the texture might vary a bit!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Your very own Classic Candied Orange Slices are ready to dazzle your taste buds and those of your loved ones. I genuinely hope you enjoyed this journey as much as I did sharing it with you. There’s something special about homemade treats! Please leave a comment and let me know how your candied oranges turn out or if you tried any fun variations. I can’t wait to hear your stories and see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Delicious Classic Candied Orange Slices Recipe for Sweet Bliss
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Description
Indulge in this classic recipe for candied orange slices. Perfect for desserts or snacks, these sweet treats will elevate your culinary delights!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful treat of candied orange slices that are easy to make and perfect for gifting or adding a zesty sweetness to desserts. Perfect for any time of year, especially during the holidays!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
Keywords: candied oranges, orange slices recipe, homemade candy, holiday treats, easy dessert