Vibrant Orange Homemade Candied Orange Peels

Looking to add a burst of sunshine to your day? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Bright Orange Candy. With its sparkling hard texture and zesty orange flavor, this homemade treat is a true citrus delight that will have you reaching for more. The combination of aromatic orange peel, rich orange essence, and a touch of cream of tartar creates a candy that embodies the essence of fresh oranges in every bite.

Crafted with love in your own kitchen, this Bright Orange Candy recipe promises to bring the magic of citrus right to your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is a sweet reminder that the best treats are the ones made with a personal touch. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of golden, irresistible candies that will brighten up any occasion.

Quick Benefits

• Homemade Delight: Create your own bright and sunny orange-flavored candy that captures the magic of citrus at home.
• Customizable Flavors: Experiment with different citrus zests or spices to tailor the candy to your taste preferences.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy the candy on its own, dipped in chocolate, or use it as a decorative element for desserts and drinks.
• Candy Making Tips: Learn important candy-making techniques like temperature monitoring and flavor adjustments for perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Vibrant Orange Homemade Candied Orange Peels Recipe

• Bright, Sunny Flavors: This candy recipe captures the essence of oranges in every bite, delivering a burst of citrusy magic that is both refreshing and indulgent.
• Homemade Charm: Making candy at home brings a special touch that store-bought treats can’t match, offering a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia.
• Versatile Flavors: The recipe allows for customization with options like different citrus zest, spices, or herbal infusions, giving you the freedom to tailor the candy to your taste preferences.
• Perfect Crunch: Achieving the ideal temperature for the sugar mix ensures a satisfying snap in the candy, striking the right balance between crunchy and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Creative Presentation: Beyond just enjoying the candy on its own, the recipe offers ideas for dipping in chocolate, decorating glasses, or using as cake toppers, allowing for beautiful and tasty presentations.
• Pro Tips: The recipe provides valuable insights on troubleshooting common candy-making issues, ensuring success and delicious results every time.
• Family Favorite: This candy recipe is sure to become a household favorite, perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Ingredients for Vibrant Orange Homemade Candied Orange Peels

Base for Candy

• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

Flavors

• 1/4 cup finely grated orange peel
• A few drops of orange food dye (optional)
• 2 teaspoons orange essence

Pro Tips for Vibrant Orange Homemade Candied Orange Peels

Pro Tip 1: When making the Bright Orange Candy, ensure you monitor the temperature closely to achieve the perfect crunch. Watch for the sugar mixture to hit the temperature range of 300°F-310°F, as this is crucial for the candy to harden into the desired texture without becoming sticky or burnt. Always rely on a candy thermometer to accurately gauge the stage of the sugar.

Pro Tip 2: Get creative with flavor variations to customize your candy. Experiment by swapping the orange essence and peel for lemon or lime zest, or add warm notes with ginger or herbal touches with rosemary. For a festive twist, incorporate cinnamon and clove during the holiday season. These variations can elevate the candy’s taste and cater to different preferences.

Pro Tip 3: Enhance the presentation of your Bright Orange Candy by dipping one side in melted chocolate or using crushed pieces to decorate cocktail glasses. For a decorative touch on cakes, insert larger candy pieces into frosting for a visually appealing stained-glass effect. Remember, if your candy turns out foggy, adjust the cooling process to prevent sugar crystals from forming, ensuring your candy achieves the desired texture and taste.

How to Make Vibrant Orange Homemade Candied Orange Peels

Step 1: Get the pan ready

Line a baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil.

Step 2: Mix base ingredients

In a sturdy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.

Step 3: Heat to hard-crack stage

Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to boil untouched until it reaches a temperature of 300-310°F, approximately 7-10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the orange flavors

Remove the pan from the heat, then gently stir in the orange zest, orange extract, and optional food coloring.

Step 5: Pour and spread

Pour the candy mixture onto a parchment-covered tray and spread it into a thin sheet using a heat-safe spatula.

Step 6: Cool and crack apart

Allow the candy to completely harden, then break it into chunks using a spoon or small hammer.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Old Fashioned Orange Candy, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness and crunch. To keep the candy at its best, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers of candy to prevent sticking and to preserve the individual pieces.

Avoid storing the orange candy in areas with high humidity or direct sunlight, as this can cause the candy to become sticky or lose its texture. By storing the candy in a cool, dry place, you can ensure that it stays crispy and delicious for an extended period.

If you find that your orange candy has become sticky or loses its crunch over time, you can try re-crisping it by placing the pieces on a baking sheet and baking them in a low oven for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on the candy while re-crisping to prevent burning. With proper storage and a little care, you can enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Orange Candy for days to come.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Bright Orange Candy recipe, if you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white vinegar or lemon juice. These acidic ingredients help stabilize the sugar mixture and prevent crystallization. If you prefer a different sweetener instead of corn syrup, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, keeping in mind that they might slightly alter the flavor profile.

If you’re out of orange essence, you can replace it with fresh orange juice for a natural citrus flavor. Additionally, if you don’t have orange food dye, you can use a small amount of turmeric powder for a yellow-orange hue or beet juice for a more natural red tint. Experimenting with different citrus peels like lemon or grapefruit can provide a unique twist to the candy’s flavor profile.

Remember to adjust the quantities when substituting ingredients to maintain the desired consistency and taste of the candy. Feel free to explore various flavor combinations and decorations to customize the candy according to your preferences and make it even more appealing for special occasions or gifts.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation with the Bright Orange Candy, consider arranging the pieces on a serving platter with fresh orange slices and mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the candies for an elegant touch that pairs beautifully with the orange flavor. Serve them as a sweet ending to a dinner party or package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family.

To elevate your shrimp scampi, consider serving it over a bed of creamy parmesan risotto or with a side of garlic butter linguine. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of brightness. For a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve the shrimp scampi in individual mini cast iron skillets or on decorative plates garnished with additional lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the dish before digging in.

FAQs for Vibrant Orange Homemade Candied Orange Peels

Can I omit the orange essence in this candy recipe?

Yes, the orange essence adds a concentrated flavor to the candy, but you can omit it if desired. However, it may result in a milder orange taste in the final product.

Can I substitute orange essence with fresh orange juice?

It’s not recommended to substitute orange essence with fresh orange juice in this candy recipe, as the essence provides a more concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid that can affect the candy’s texture.

How can I prevent my candy from turning sticky?

To prevent sticky candy, it’s crucial to ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature between 300°F-310°F. Watch the thermometer closely and avoid undercooking or overcooking the sugar mixture.

What should I do if my candy has a bitter taste?

If your candy has a bitter taste, it likely cooked for too long. Remove it from the heat immediately when it reaches the target temperature to prevent overcooking and a bitter flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting your own Bright Orange Candy at home is not only rewarding but also a delightful way to impress your loved ones with a sweet treat bursting with citrus flavors. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll soon be savoring the satisfying crunch of these homemade candies and delighting in the vibrant orange essence that shines through each piece.

Experiment with different variations and personal touches to make this Bright Orange Candy recipe uniquely yours. Whether you stick to the classic orange flavor or venture into new citrus combinations and creative presentations, the joy of creating your own candy is unmatched. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and dive into the world of homemade candies – let the bright allure of Bright Orange Candy bring a touch of sweetness to your kitchen and your hearts!