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Let me share one of my favorite kitchen magic tricks - candied orange slices! With just oranges and sugar, you can create these gorgeous, jewel-like treats that make everything feel fancy. I started making these when I wanted to dress up holiday desserts, and now I keep a jar ready for everything from cocktails to salads!
Why You'll Love Making These
You won't believe how simple these are to make! Once I realized I could create these beautiful treats at home instead of hunting them down at specialty stores, I was hooked. Plus, they last for weeks, and the orange-infused syrup you get as a bonus? Pure gold for cocktails!
Let's Gather Our Ingredients
- Small Oranges: I love using little clementines or mandarins they hold their shape perfectly! Save those big oranges for eating fresh.
- White Sugar: Just regular granulated sugar works magic here nothing fancy needed!
Let's Make Some Magic!
- Slice With Care
- I use my mandoline for perfect, even slices, but a sharp knife works too aim for that quarter-inch thickness!
- Sweet Syrup Start
- Watch the sugar dissolve into the water it's like making liquid gold!
- Patient Simmering
- This is where the transformation happens. I love watching the slices turn translucent!
- The Waiting Game
- Let them dry on a rack your kitchen will smell amazing!
Picking The Perfect Oranges
After lots of experimenting, I've found that smaller oranges are the way to go! Those cute little clementines and mandarins are perfect. My latest discovery was blood oranges they make the most stunning deep red slices. Just avoid those big juicing oranges they tend to fall apart!
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Two Ways to Finish
Want to know my favorite finishing tricks? For a sparkly, sugar-coated look, I roll the almost-dry slices in fine sugar it's like edible glitter! But when I want that stained-glass effect, I leave them plain. Both ways are gorgeous, and my kids love helping with the sugar coating!
Don't Waste That Syrup!
Here's my secret tip: save that orange-infused syrup! It's liquid gold in your refrigerator. I use it in everything from morning tea to weekend cocktails. Last week, I even drizzled it over pancakes my family went crazy for it!
Dressing Up Desserts
These slices make everything look fancy! I love arranging them on top of my orange olive oil cake, and they've saved many a plain cheesecake. During the holidays, I dip them in dark chocolate and everyone thinks I'm some sort of pastry genius!
Cocktail Magic
Want to make the prettiest cocktails ever? Add a candied orange slice! They look stunning hanging on the rim of a glass, and they're so much more special than plain orange wedges. My signature winter cocktail always features these they're a total conversation starter!
Chocolate Love
Let me tell you about my favorite way to enjoy these dipped in dark chocolate! I melt good quality chocolate, give each slice a quick dip, and sometimes add a tiny sprinkle of sea salt. They're like fancy chocolate oranges, but so much better!
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Why Homemade Wins
Once you start making these at home, you'll never buy them again! Not only do they taste fresher, but you can control exactly how sweet they are. Plus, there's something so satisfying about creating these little jewels in your own kitchen.
Keep It Simple
Don't overcomplicate this recipe! I've tried all the fancy methods, but simple really is best. Just focus on even slices, gentle simmering, and patience while they dry. Sometimes the simplest approach gives the most beautiful results!
Beyond Sweet Treats
These aren't just for desserts! I love adding them to holiday salads or serving them alongside roasted duck or pork. The sweet-citrus flavor adds such a wonderful dimension to savory dishes. My holiday cheese board always includes a few they pair beautifully with sharp cheeses!
Storage Secrets
Want them to last? I store mine in a pretty glass jar with tight-fitting lid. They'll keep for weeks at room temperature, though they rarely last that long in my house! For longer storage, I pop them in the fridge they stay perfect for months.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here's what I've learned from my mistakes: keep that simmer gentle! If your syrup starts to caramelize, just lower the heat. I keep a candy thermometer handy just to be sure, but once you've made these a few times, you'll know exactly what to look for.
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Half-Moon Beauty
Sometimes I cut my slices into half-moons they're perfect for smaller treats! This works especially well if you're using slightly larger oranges. Plus, they're easier to arrange on desserts when they're not full circles.
Morning to Night
These little gems dress up everything from breakfast to midnight snacks! I love them on my morning yogurt, and they make weekend waffles feel extra special. They're even pretty enough to serve on holiday breakfast tables!
Sweet Experiments
Sometimes I play around with different sweeteners. A batch made with honey turned out beautifully, and maple syrup gave them a wonderful complexity. Each variety brings its own personality to the party!
Spice It Up
During the holidays, I love adding warm spices to the syrup. A cinnamon stick, some star anise, or a few cloves create the most amazing aroma and flavor. My kitchen smells like Christmas, and the oranges take on this wonderful spiced note!
Getting the Right Thickness
For special occasions, I slice them extra thin to make them super delicate. They dry faster this way and look so elegant on fancy desserts. Just keep an eye on them during simmering they'll cook more quickly when they're thinner!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is it important to maintain a gentle simmer?
A rapid boil can cause the sugar syrup to caramelize. If this happens and the syrup turns golden brown, you'll need to start over with fresh syrup.
- → How long do candied orange slices last?
When stored properly in an airtight container with parchment between layers, they keep for at least one month at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- → Why add salt to candied oranges?
A tiny pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the orange flavor while offsetting any bitterness from the peel.
- → How do I know when they're done drying?
After 24-48 hours, they should feel set but slightly tacky, similar to gummy candy. They can be rolled in sugar for a less sticky finish.
- → What can I use these for?
They're versatile as snacks, dessert decorations, cocktail garnishes, and can even be used in salads or with roasted meats.
Conclusion
These candied orange slices are a simple yet elegant treat that transforms ordinary oranges into a sweet, versatile confection. By gently simmering orange slices in a sugar syrup, you create a translucent, chewy delicacy perfect for snacking, garnishing, or adding to various culinary creations.