candied orange slices are a versatile and EASY gift!
I told you I had some fun, easy gift ideas – and these candied orange slices are a FAVE!
I’m no stranger to drying fruit around here – and even did some candied citrus peels a few years back. But I was inspired to make this version after sampling what are apparently a Trader Joe’s cult favorite.
I was assisting on a photo shoot when the creative director (whose house we were shooting in) pulled them out to use as a garnish. After the shoot she asked if I’d like to try one and OMG. Somewhere between chewy and dried, sweet and tart, I had to stop myself from tearing into the entire bag.
I was thinking about all the ways these little slices could be used, and what a perfect foodie gift they’d make, and got to work. And they couldn’t have been easier to make!
Simply slice your oranges as thin as you can, roll the sides and edges in sugar and bake.
THAT. IS. IT.
Let them cool and store in an airtight container – they will keep for many months and are a great do-ahead recipe. And you can use whatever sugar you have on-hand too – I used coconut sugar for these images and it worked perfectly – making this a really great gift for any paleo/low-sugar loved ones on your list!
How to use?
Well, if you’re me you’ll eat them straight off the plate. But they are also wonderful dipped or drizzled with chocolate, as a pretty cake or cupcake garnish, or sitting atop a cocktail. They’d also make a nice addition to a cookie assortment, if that’s what you like to give!
I like to gift them in these mini mason jars but a pretty gift box or even a cellophane bag would be just as lovely.
I’ve read several posts that suggest using a mandoline to slice the oranges. And while I love my mandoline I have never been able to use it with a citrus fruit without shredding the slices. So I use a large sharp chef’s knife, and here’s my #1 tip for getting slices that are of even thickness: using a small sawing motion, cut about one-quarter of the way down from the top of the orange. Begin rotating the orange away from you, making a few of those small sawing motions with every rotation. This keeps the shape of the fruit intact and allows you to see where you’re cutting all the way around!
Let me know if you make these, and tag me on Instagram @sherisilver if you do!
any seedless oranges
any sugar (my preference is granulated sugar but coconut sugar works perfectly!)
Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees – line 1 – 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat. Lay a double layer of paper towels on your counter or work surface. Place 1/4 – 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl.
Wash and thoroughly dry your oranges. Slice as thinly as possible and place on your paper towels. Sprinkle the sugar over the tops. Working with one slice at a time, roll the edges in the sugar and place – sugared side down – on your baking sheet. Repeat with all the slices, adding more sugar to your bowl if needed. Blot the tops with paper towels and sprinkle with more sugar.
Bake for 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2021/12/10/candied-orange-slices/
Need a couple more easy foodie gifts? Try these:
Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
