Sweeties Candied Orange Peels

4 Medium Oranges

3/4 cups of water

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

2 3/4 cups sugar

 

Peel  oranges and cut into quarters. Slice peel into 1/4 inch wide slices. You should have about 4 cups.

Place orange peels in a medium size non-aluminum saucepan with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook, covered for 15 minutes. Drain the peels in a colander.  

Optional: I add about 6 whole cloves into the boiling water and leave them in until I lay the peels on the drying tray.

Now, boil the 3/4 cup of water, syrup and 2 cups of sugar, stirring until dissolved. Add peels. Simmer, stirring occasionally for approximately 35 to 55 minutes. Until the peels are translucent and tender. 

Remove peels with a slotted spoon onto a large rack (I use parchment or wax paper). Let them cool off before handling them. Separate peels. Dry until tacky. About 2 hours.

Place the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl. Add peels and toss until they are evenly coated with sugar.

Let the peels air dry for another 2 hours. Sometimes the next day, I give the peels another toss in sugar to make them perfect!

Store peels in an airtight container for up to 1 month or bag and freeze. 

If you like tea, add one or two of these to your tea for a orange/sugar flavor. Yum!