CANDIED ORANGE PEEL (CHOCOLATE COVERED)

There's nothing quite like the sweet and tangy taste of candied orange peel, and when it's coated in rich, decadent chocolate, it becomes an irresistible treat that's hard to resist. Making candied orange peel coated in chocolate may seem like a daunting task, but with a little patience and careful attention to detail, you'll have a mouth-watering treat that's perfect for any occasion.

I first learned how to make candied orange peel coated in chocolate from my grandmother, who would always make a batch around the holidays. As a child, I would watch in awe as she carefully peeled the oranges, boiled the peels, and coated them in sugar syrup before letting them dry out. Once the peels were candied, she would dip them in melted chocolate, making a sweet and decadent treat that we all looked forward to.

Now, I continue this tradition in my own kitchen and have perfected the recipe over the years. It's a labor of love, but the end result is always worth it.

Ingredients:

To make candied orange peel coated in chocolate, you will need:

• 4 large oranges
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

How to make candied orange peel coated in chocolate:

• Cut the tops and bottoms off the oranges, and score the peel into quarters.
• Peel the oranges, being careful to remove as much of the white pith as possible.
• Slice the peels into thin strips.
• Place the orange peels in a large pot of boiling water and blanch for 1 minute.
• Drain the peels and rinse under cold water.

• In a separate pot, combine the sugar and water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
• Add the blanched orange peels to the sugar syrup and reduce the heat to a simmer.

• Simmer the peels in the syrup for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the peels are translucent and the syrup has thickened.
• Remove the peels from the syrup using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to dry for at least 2 hours or overnight.

• Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth.
• Dip the candied orange peels into the melted chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Let the chocolate sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Once the chocolate has set, store the candied orange peel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to store it:

To store candied orange peel coated in chocolate, you should keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if stored properly. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

How to freeze it:

To freeze candied orange peel coated in chocolate, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour or until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To thaw frozen candied orange peel coated in chocolate, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. It's important not to thaw them in the microwave or oven, as this can cause the chocolate to melt and the orange peels to become too soft.

When freezing and thawing candied orange peel coated in chocolate, it's important to keep them away from moisture and heat, as this can cause the chocolate to bloom or develop a white powdery appearance on the surface. By storing them properly, you can ensure that they stay fresh and delicious for longer.

FAQs

Can I make candied orange peel without chocolate?

Yes, you can make candied orange peel without chocolate by skipping the step of dipping them in melted chocolate. Simply let the candied orange peel dry out on a wire rack and enjoy them as a sweet and tangy snack.

Can I use orange juice instead of fresh oranges?

No, you cannot use orange juice instead of fresh oranges to make candied orange peel. The peel is an essential component of this recipe and provides the texture and flavor that make it unique.

Can I add other ingredients to the sugar syrup, such as spices or herbs?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sugar syrup to customize the flavor of your candied orange peel. Some popular additions include cinnamon, vanilla extract, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Conclusion:

Making candied orange peel coated in chocolate may take a bit of time and effort, but the end result is a delicious and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for yourself or to share with others, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.