Candied Citrus Peel
The Nitty Gritty:
An elegant garnish- Level: 1
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus 20 in oven
- Yields: as much as you make!
- Tags: dessert
Candied peel and slices are a simple yet elegant way to garnish a dish, adding bright color, intense flavor, and varying textures. They can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as Julia’s Grovestand Lemon Cupcakes.
For this recipe, you will need a 2 qt pot, a citrus zester or peeler, a chef’s knife, and a sheet tray.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sugar
- 4 cups water
- peel or thin slices of citrus of your choice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Combine the sugar and water in a pot and bring to a simmer, making sure the sugar completely dissolves in the water. The syrup will be clear when all of the sugar dissolves.
Make sure the syrup is at a simmer and not a boil, then add the peel or slices. Cook at medium/low heat until the peel or the white pith of the fruit becomes translucent.
Remove the peel or slices and place on a sheet tray. Dry in the oven for approximately 10-30 minutes. (Baking times may vary, so make sure to check that your peel does not burn. I usually bake for about 20 minutes.)
You can strain and reserve the citrus simple syrup to add to mixed drinks or to soak cake layers.
Comments
By Julia Swenson
Julia B. Swenson is outsourcing her culinary talents from Santa Monica, Calif., where she is the owner and catering chef of Julia’s Kitchen, a catering company serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties. When not working, she enjoys making delectable treats for family and friends. Trained at the Le Cordon Bleu school in Pasadena, she believes whole-heartedly in the motto: Make every meal good to the last bite!
About The Humble Gourmand
The Humble Gourmand is published the first Friday of each month, edited by Alison L. McConnell, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and writer. It is designed to offer straightforward lessons and advice to aspiring cooks, oenophiles, and all other eaters and drinkers.
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MaryAnn Sabino
July 29 5:07 p.m. 1I can't wait to try this receipe! I love candied fruits. Thanks for sharing !