Family Foods

Candied Orange Slices

Makes 30 to 48 orange slices Candied Orange Slices Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups (1.125 L) sugar, divided
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 large, thin-skinned oranges or 10 clementines (or a mixture of the two fruits), cold from the fridge, ends trimmed and discarded, cut into 1/8 in. (3 mm) thick slices
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) Real Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips & Chunks

Directions:

Step 1:
In a large saucepan, combine 4 cups (1 L) sugar, 4 cups (1 L) water, and 3 cinnamon sticks. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).

Step 2:
Split the orange slices into two batches. Add 12–15 slices at a time to the syrup. Reduce the heat and simmer for 40–50 minutes, turning once. The slices are ready when the pith (the white part of the peel) becomes soft and nearly translucent. If the pith remains white, the slices may taste bitter.

Step 3:
Preheat your oven to 200°F (100°C). Using heatproof tongs, remove the slices from the syrup and arrange them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Dry in the oven for 60–75 minutes, flipping halfway through. The slices should no longer feel sticky but remain pliable.

Step 4:
Sprinkle the slices lightly on both sides with the remaining sugar to absorb any moisture. Let them cool completely.

Step 5:
Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe dish on LOW for 60 seconds. Check and heat for an additional 30 seconds, if necessary. Dip half the edge of each slice in melted chocolate and place them on a wire rack to cool and harden.

Tip:
Save the leftover orange syrup for drizzling over ice cream or other desserts. You can substitute large lemons for oranges or try using white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.