Holiday Roundup: Candied Orange Peel

Alright so here is part deux of my holiday baking roundup: candied orange peel. Before about two years ago, I had no idea that one could really eat the peel of the orange. I found it to be bitter and yucky and really only used for its zest in large baking recipes (my mom always used to make orange and black pepper biscotti at Christmas..they were awesome and packed full of zest!). But, imagine yourself in Paris, in one of their numerous street farmers markets. You stumble upon a little nut and dried fruit vendor, and see all the traditionals-- raisins, almonds, hazelnuts, apricots...but wait- whats this, candied orange peel? Well that was me two years ago..obviously I had to buy some and try it. Turns out it is delicious. And, upon further research, orange peel is actually phenomenal for you. Orange peel is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial anti-carcinogenic, and in traditional Chinese medicine has been said to "reduce accumulation" in the body (think about that one). So while orange peel is gross and bitter raw, I made a festive candied version to munch on over the holidays.

Candied Orange Peel

3 large navel oranges
water
2 C sugar

Directions:
1. Peel your navel oranges, trying not to rip it up into too small of pieces. Making 4 incisions with a knife on the each side of the orange helps in this process.
2. With a small knife, remove as much of the white inside of the peel as possible. Try and leave only the orange portion remaining, and cut the peel into little strips-- it doesn't really matter the size. Use your own preference.
3. Bring a sauce pan full of water to a boil. Place the sliced peels in and boil for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, drain the peels and run them under cold water. Place back in the pan, pour more water over them and bring back to a boil for another 10 minutes, and strain and shock once more. Repeat this entire process one more time.
4. In another pan, bring 2 cups of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. When all the sugar is dissolved add in the orange peel and simmer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, drain the orange peels and lay them out on a wire rack or parchment paper to dry for a few hours. You can reserve the liquid and use it as a flavoring agent for drinks or recipes, or use the oranges and this liquid to make a marmalade-- it is basically just an orange simple syrup and could also make a nice gift! Enjoy the orange peel itself on its own or to add some delicious uniqueness into other baked goods!

Health Benefits!!
Orange Peel-  anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial anti-carcinogenic, and in traditional Chinese medicine has been said to "reduce accumulation" -- "pressure from cramping, stool in the bowels, phlegm in the lungs and throat, or "too much blood energy" resulting in high blood pressure"

Sources:
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/orange_peel.php