Have you ever wanted to add a sweet, aromatic touch to your desserts or cocktails? If so, dehydrated candied orange slices are the perfect solution! These delightful treats offer a burst of citrus flavor with the right balance of sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to any recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a unique cocktail garnish or simply want to enjoy a tasty snack, making your own candied orange slices at home is easier than you might think.
To dry the orange slices, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure they don’t stick and dry evenly.
Pro tip: Dehydrated candied orange slices smell amazing and can even be dipped in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from preparing your fresh oranges to storing the finished product in an airtight container. You’ll be surprised at how straightforward (and fun) making these sweet citrusy slices can be!
To create mouth-watering dehydrated candied orange slices, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:
Oranges: Choose fresh oranges such as navel oranges or, for a more vibrant color and unique flavor, go for blood oranges. You’ll need about 4-5 medium-sized oranges.
Sugar: Both granulated sugar and coconut sugar work fine for this recipe. You’ll need about 2 cups of sugar to create the perfect orange simple syrup.
Water: To make the sugar syrup, you’ll need 2 cups of water.
Flaky Sea Salt: Optional, for a touch of savory contrast.
Ground Cinnamon: Optional, to add a hint of spice to your candied orange slices.
Equipment:
Sharp Knife: For slicing the oranges evenly.
Vegetable Wash: To thoroughly clean the orange peel.
Large Pot: To simmer the orange slices in sugar syrup.
Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets and prevent sticking.
Baking Sheets: To spread out the orange slices for drying.
Slotted Spoon: For removing the orange slices from the syrup.
Cooling Rack: To cool the candied oranges completely.
Airtight Container: To store your dried slices at room temperature after they have cooled.
With these ingredients and tools, you’ll be all set to make candied orange slices that smell amazing and are perfect for snacking or adding a gourmet touch to your favorite desserts and drinks.
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making dehydrated candied orange slices, a treat that will brighten up any day! Follow these steps to create your sweet and chewy citrus delicacies at home.
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by selecting fresh oranges. Navel oranges and blood oranges work wonderfully for this recipe. Wash them thoroughly using a vegetable wash to remove any residues from the peel.
2. Slice the Oranges: Using a sharp knife, slice the oranges into thin, even circles, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Ensure the slices are as uniform as possible to achieve consistent drying. Save the ends for juicing or other uses.
3. Blanch the Slices: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the orange slices and blanch for about one minute to remove any bitter flavor from the peel. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the blanched slices to a bowl of ice water to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a separate pot, combine equal parts granulated sugar and water (e.g., 2 cups of each) and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer to form an orange simple syrup.
5. Candy the Orange Slices: Add the cooled orange slices to the simmering syrup. Let them cook gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the slices are slightly translucent and the syrup thickens. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the candied slices to a wire rack to drain and cool completely.
6. Dry the Candied Oranges: Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting. Place the candied orange slices on baking sheets lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Transfer the baking sheets to the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Dry the slices for 2-3 hours or until they are no longer tacky to the touch.
7. Store and Enjoy: Once the dehydrated candied orange slices are completely dry, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. These dried slices can be enjoyed as a sweet snack, a cocktail garnish, or a beautiful decoration for desserts.
There you have it! Your homemade dehydrated candied orange slices are ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Happy candying!
Dehydrated candied orange slices are so versatile! They can bring a delightful touch of citrusy sweetness to a variety of dishes and presentations. Here are some inventive ideas for incorporating these tasty treats into your culinary creations:
Garnish for Cocktails: Impress your guests by using dehydrated candied orange slices as a stunning garnish for your cocktail glasses. They add a visual appeal and a burst of flavor that complements a wide range of drinks.
Desserts: Use them to adorn cakes, cupcakes, or chocolate orange cheesecakes. The sweet and slightly tangy flavor of candied oranges pairs beautifully with desserts, adding both taste and texture.
Trail Mix: Add dried orange slices to your favorite trail mix for a refreshing twist. They pair wonderfully with nuts, dried fruit, and a little bit of dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Oatmeal and Yogurt: Stirring in some candied orange slices into your morning oatmeal or yogurt can elevate your breakfast with a touch of sweetness and a refreshing citrus kick.
Mulled Wine: Enhance the flavor of your mulled wine by simmering it with a few slices of candied orange. The combination of warm spices and sweet citrus is simply irresistible.
Chocolate-Dipped Treats: For an indulgent snack, dip your dehydrated candied orange slices in melted chocolate. Whether you prefer dark chocolate or milk chocolate, this combo is an absolute delight. You might even sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for an added depth of flavor.
Potpourri: Apart from culinary uses, you can also use dried orange slices to make fragrant potpourri. Their rich scent and vibrant look will make your home smell amazing.
When it comes to the world of sweet and tangy treats, both candied orange slices and dried oranges have their charm, but they’re quite different in taste, texture, and uses. Understanding these differences can help you decide which one will best suit your needs.
Candied orange slices are created by simmering fresh oranges in a sugar syrup, absorbing the sweet flavors into the fruit. They are typically softer, slightly tacky to the touch, and extremely sweet with a concentrated citrus flavor. The cooking process helps to enhance the natural flavors of the oranges, making them a delightful treat for snacking or as a festive garnish. These candied creations are perfect for holiday desserts, cocktail garnishes, and even dipped in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
On the other hand, dried oranges are made by slowly dehydrating orange slices at a low temperature, removing most of the moisture but keeping the vibrant color and citrusy flavor intact. Dried orange slices are chewy, slightly brittle, and carry a more concentrated, slightly bitter flavor compared to candied slices. They’re fantastic for adding a citrusy touch to tea, mulled wine, or as a decorative element in holiday garlands and wreaths. Dried orange slices are also often used in savory dishes, adding a unique twist to salads and meat dishes.
Both treats can be stored in an airtight container, but it’s important to note that candied orange slices should be kept at room temperature to maintain their softness, while dried oranges should be stored in a cool, dry place to keep them from becoming too brittle.
Ultimately, the choice between candied orange slices and dried oranges will come down to what you’re looking for in terms of flavor and how you plan to use them.
The holiday season brings with it the joy of baking and sharing homemade treats, and candied orange slices fit perfectly into this festive tradition. These sweet, slightly tart goodies not only smell amazing while they’re cooking, but they also offer a burst of citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with many holiday recipes.
One of the reasons candied oranges are such a favorite is their versatility. You can garnish cocktail glasses with a delicate slice, dip them in dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a decadent treat, or even use them to decorate holiday cakes and breads. The possibilities are endless, and each use adds a touch of elegance to your festive creations.
Making your own candied orange slices at home not only ensures they are fresh and free from unnecessary preservatives, but it also fills your home with a delightful holiday aroma. This process is not just for the experienced baker; even beginners will find it a rewarding and enjoyable activity. Plus, homemade candied slices can be stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for gift-giving or keeping on hand for spontaneous holiday gatherings.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional navel oranges, vibrant blood oranges, or the unique flavors of lemons, candied citrus slices are a delightful addition to any holiday menu. Their bright, jewel-like appearance adds a festive touch, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.
In conclusion, creating dehydrated candied orange slices at home is a delightful and rewarding process. These sweet and flavorful treats can add a touch of elegance to your desserts, cocktails, and holiday celebrations. With just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you can enjoy the rich taste of candied orange slices any time you like. Don’t forget to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Whether you enjoy them plain, dipped in chocolate, or as a garnish, dried oranges are sure to impress. Happy candied orange making!
