These days, everyone’s looking for a way to add excitement to their day.
You may have gone out and purchased a new bike or picked up a new set of rollerskates. Someone you know may have invested their time into a new hobby or skill.
It can be the simpler pleasures of life, such as sleeping an extra hour or sipping on your favorite cocktail. It can also be bumping up your kitchen game by incorporating a candied lemon peel into a recipe. If you’re interested in making your own, follow a candied lemon peel recipe that emphasizes using organic lemons to avoid pesticides since the skin is consumed.
Make sure you keep reading to discover 5 ways to use this candied citrus.
What is Candied Lemon Peel?
Candied lemon peel is a delightful treat that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweetness of sugar. Made from the rinds of lemons, this confection involves blanching the peels to remove any bitterness and then simmering them in a sugar syrup until they become soft and translucent. The result is a sweet, zesty snack that can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance a variety of recipes. Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply looking for a unique garnish, candied lemon peel adds a burst of citrus flavor that can elevate any dish.
1. Cake Decorations
Lemon-flavored desserts are the perfect summer night sweet snacks, and the intense lemon flavor of candied lemon peel can elevate a simple white cake and cream cheese icing recipe. Using candied lemon peel to decorate the top adds a vibrant citrus taste that enhances the overall flavor.
2. Sidecar Cocktail Garnish
This delicious cocktail features a mixture of lemon juice, Cognac, and Cointreau. While the traditional garnish is an orange slice, you can also use candied orange peel for a different twist. It’s typically garnished with an orange slice and sugar rim, but you can replace the orange slice with candied lemon.
3. Lemon Meringue Pie Topping
Your family cookouts wouldn’t be the same without the traditional lemon meringue pie. For a different texture, you can also use candied lemon zest by removing the pith beforehand. Surprise them this year by topping it with candied lemon.
4. Lemon Scone Filling
As you sip on your evening tea or coffee, indulge in a lemon scone. People add things like cranberries or raisins to their lemon scones but shake things up by tossing in some sliced candied lemon peel strips.
5. Baked Chicken Surprise
Whether you’re experimenting with beet chips or changing up your traditional baked chicken recipe, the kitchen should be a place to have fun and experiment. Try throwing in some candied peel with your chicken and potatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
How to Candy Lemons: Candied Lemon Peel Recipe
To make candied lemon, gather several lemons, a bunch of water, a couple of cups of granulated sugar, a peeler, and a pot for the stove. You can follow this recipe.
Use the peeler to peel off vertical strips from the citrus peel. Drop these lemon rind strips in a couple of cups of water in the pot and bring the pot to a boil. Once it starts to boil, drain the water from the pot, refill it again with fresh water, and bring it all to a boil again.
Do this one more time. After the third time, remove the peels. Empty the pot and fill it with a couple of cups of granulated sugar and one cup of water.
Bring the water and sugar to a boil, and whisk the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s dissolved, pop in your slices, bring down the heat, and let it simmer until the peels are soft.
Take out your tender peels and throw them into a bowl with about half a cup of granulated sugar. Toss them in the sugar. Once they are coated, individually take them out and place them in a container.
Leave them in this container for a couple of weeks.
Storing and Preserving Lemon Peels
To keep your candied lemon peels fresh and flavorful, proper storage is key. Place your candied citrus peels in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store them in a cool, dark place. They will stay fresh for about 6-8 weeks. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate or freeze them. In the refrigerator, candied lemon peels can last up to 2 months when stored in an airtight container. For even longer preservation, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw the frozen peels at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to add a sweet, tangy twist to your favorite dishes.
Ways to Experiment With Candied Lemon Peels
Using candied peels in the kitchen may be different from anything else you’ve ever done, but it’s worth it. It can be used in a variety of ways.
Toss it in as garnish for your favorite cocktail or use it to top your favorite summer dessert. It leaves your guests wanting more!
Conclusion
Making candied lemon peel from scratch is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to control the ingredients and avoid additives found in store-bought versions. With this recipe, you can make delicious candied lemon peel that’s perfect for adding a burst of citrus flavor to your favorite recipes. Experiment with different flavor combinations and uses for candied lemon peel to take your baking and cooking to the next level.
For more on dehydrating food and tips, make sure you check out the rest of our site and contact us with any questions.
Recipe FAQ
How do you get the bitterness out of candied lemon peels?
By blanching the peel repeatedly before candying it.
What can I do with candied peel syrup?
Use it in cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, or as a dessert glaze.
Can I make candied peel with other citrus?
Yes, you can make candied citrus peels with other citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and limes.
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