Candied Citrus Peel (Raw Method)
Ingredients:
Peels of 2–3 citrus fruits (lemon, lime, orange)
1/2 to 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating and layering)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peels
* Wash fruits well and peel them with a knife or vegetable peeler.
* Remove as much of the white pith as possible to reduce bitterness (use a small knife or spoon to gently scrape).
* Cut the peels into thin strips (about 0.5 cm wide or thinner).
2. Toss with Sugar
* In a bowl, layer the peels with granulated sugar.
* Example: Add a layer of peel, sprinkle sugar, repeat.
* Make sure all pieces are well coated and there’s extra sugar to draw out moisture.
3. Let It Sit
* Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
* The sugar will draw out moisture from the peels, slightly curing them and making them chewy and sweet.
* Stir once or twice during this period to recoat and distribute sugar evenly.
4. Dry
* After curing, spread the peels out on a tray or parchment to dry for a few hours.
* Toss again in fresh sugar if needed for extra coating.
5. Store
* Keep in an airtight jar at room temperature. Best used within 1–2 weeks.
Notes:
* This version creates a softer, chewier, slightly bitter-sweet candy.
* Great for garnishes, cocktail toppings, or mixing into granola or trail mix.
What You Can Make with Citrus Syrup
Drinks:
Citrus Lemonade / Limeade
Mix 2 tbsp syrup with cold water or soda water, add lemon juice and ice.
Cocktails & Mocktails
Great in mojitos, margaritas, gin & tonics, whisky sours, or a citrus spritz.
Iced Tea / Iced Green Tea
Use the syrup to sweeten instead of sugar.
Smoothies or Juices
A dash of citrus syrup gives brightness and balance to fruit-based drinks.
Hot Herbal Tea
Stir into chamomile, green, or mint tea for a soothing, aromatic drink.
Desserts:
Pancake or Waffle Topping
Drizzle over for a zesty kick instead of maple syrup.
Cake Soak (Syrup Brush)
Brush over sponge cakes, lemon loaf, or pound cake to keep them moist and citrusy.
Citrus Glaze
Mix syrup with icing sugar for a glaze on cookies, scones, or cakes.
Yogurt or Ice Cream Drizzle
Perfect over vanilla ice cream or plain yogurt.
Poaching Fruit
Use it to poach pears, peaches, or figs for a fancy dessert.
What You Can Make with Candied Peels (or Sugar-Cured Peels)
Baking & Sweets:
Fruit Cakes / Christmas Cake
Mix chopped candied peels into the batter.
Cookies or Biscotti
Add finely chopped peels to shortbread or biscotti dough.
Chocolate-Dipped Peels
Dip strips into melted dark chocolate — let set for a gourmet treat.
Homemade Granola or Muesli
Chop and mix into granola for chewy citrusy bits.
Citrus Sugar
Blend dried candied peels with sugar to make citrus-flavored sugar (great for rimming cocktail glasses or sprinkling over baked goods).
Snacks & Savory:
Cheese Pairing
Serve small bits of candied peel with sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese.
Salads
Thinly sliced peel adds zing to a fennel, beet, or goat cheese salad.
Rice Pilaf or Couscous
Add a small amount of chopped candied citrus for a Moroccan-inspired touch.
Bonus: Peels as Garnish
Cocktail Garnish
Twist or slice into strips for martinis, spritzers, or whisky.
Cake & Dessert Decoration
Use long candied strips to decorate cakes, tarts, or mousse.
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