SUGARY ORANGE PEEL

Sugary Orange Peel image

These sugar-coated citrus strips attract lots of compliments whenever I set them out at parties.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 2h55m

Yield 5 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

4 medium navel oranges
2 to 3 cups sugar, divided
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, optional
2 teaspoons shortening, optional

Steps:

With a knife, score the peel from each orange into quarters. With fingers, remove peel and white pith attached. Place peel in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Drain and repeat twice. , Meanwhile, in another saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, water and salt. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Drain peel and add to syrup. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes or until syrup is almost all absorbed, stirring occasionally. (Watch carefully to prevent scorching.) Drain any remaining syrup. , Cool orange peel in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet for 1 hour. Cut into 1/8-1/4-in. strips. Sprinkle remaining sugar on an ungreased 15x10x1-in. pan. Sprinkle strips over sugar; toss to coat. Let stand for 8 hours or overnight, tossing occasionally. , If desired, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip one end of each orange strip into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Let stand on waxed paper until set. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 90 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 59mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 0 protein.