This is a delicious way to use the peels of citrus after they’ve been juiced. Candied peel, either plain or dipped in chocolate, makes a zesty ending for a meal. Candy only unsprayed, organic citrus fruit.

　　

Ingredients

4 cups sugar

　　2 cups water

　　

Step 1

Cut 2 grapefruits, 8 lemons or tangerines, or 4 medium oranges in half. Juice them; drink the juice or save it for another purpose. Put the juiced halves in a saucepan and cover with cold water by an inch or so. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and simmer until the peel is very tender when tested with the point of a paring knife. Start checking after 10 minutes. Let the peel cool until it can be handled easily. With a spoon, scrape out the pulp and as much of the white part of the rind as possible. Cut the peel into long strips, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide. Put the strips of peel in a heavy saucepan. Add: 4 cups sugar, 2 cups water.

　　

Step 2

Cook over medium heat, stirring the mixture often, until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is simmering. (If there is not enough syrup to completely submerge the strips of peel, add additional sugar and water in the same two-to-one proportions.) Maintain the heat so the syrup simmers slowly. Cook until the peel looks translucent and the syrup is thick and bubbling. Turn up the heat and cook the syrup to the thread stage (the syrup will form a thread when it is dropped from the spoon), 230°F measured with a candy thermometer. Remove the pan from the heat and cool for 5 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Set a wire rack over a baking sheet and carefully scoop out the strips of peel with a small, flat strainer or slotted spoon. Spread the strips evenly on the cooling rack and let them dry overnight. The next day toss the strips of candied peel with granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl, separating any strips that stick together. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Candied peel will keep for months. Save the syrup to flavor drinks or thin with water and use it to poach dried fruits.

　　The Art of Simple Food