Orange Chips Recipe

Orange Chips Recipe:

History and Fun Facts:
The process of making candied orange peel, also known as orange chips, can be traced back to ancient times. In the past, people didn't want to waste any part of the fruit, so they found creative ways to use not only the flesh but also the peels. Candying the orange peel was a popular preservation technique, allowing the peel to be enjoyed long after the fruit had been consumed.

Interestingly, orange chips were not only made from oranges but also from grapefruit peel, making this a versatile recipe that can be adapted to different citrus fruits. This sweet treat has delighted people for generations, and today, it has become a popular snack and ingredient in various desserts.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- Orange peels (from about 4-6 oranges)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of water

Instructions:
1. Start by cutting the oranges in half and scooping out the flesh, leaving only the peels behind. Scrape off any excess flesh from the inside of the peels.

2. Fill a bowl with salt water and place the orange peels in it. Let them soak overnight. This step helps to remove any bitterness from the peels.

3. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water, and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

4. While the syrup is boiling, take the soaked orange peels out of the salt water and drain them. Cut the peels into small strips about 1/4 inch wide.

5. Once the syrup has thickened, carefully drop the orange peel strips into the boiling syrup. Allow them to simmer in the syrup for about 10 minutes. This will help infuse the peels with the sweetness of the syrup.

6. After 10 minutes, remove the orange peel strips from the syrup using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place them on a sheet of waxed paper, making sure they are spread out and not touching each other. This will allow them to dry properly.

7. Let the orange peel strips dry for at least 24 hours or until they become firm and crisp. You can leave them in a cool, dry place or place them in an oven set to the lowest temperature with the door slightly open to speed up the drying process.

8. Once the orange chips are completely dry, store them in an airtight container or use them immediately in various recipes.

Similar Recipes:
If you enjoy making orange chips, you might also be interested in trying other candied fruit recipes. Candied cherries, pineapple, and other fruits can be made using a similar process. Combine one-half pound of loaf sugar with one breakfast cup of water in a saucepan. Boil the syrup without stirring until it thickens. For cherries, pit them and string them on a thread before dipping them in the syrup and suspending them to dry. For pineapple, slice it crosswise and dry the slices on a sieve or in the open air. Oranges can be separated into sections and dried like pineapple.

These candied fruits make wonderful toppings for cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream, or they can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet snack. Experiment with different fruits and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures they bring to your desserts.

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