Candied Orange Peels

Cut the top and bottom off each orange.

Using a vegetable peeler, peel off pieces of the skin, cutting from top to bottom. Slice peels into 1/4-inch strips or leave in natural shaped pieces.

Place peels in a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.

Drain and repeat two more times with fresh water.

Mix 4 cups of the sugar with 3 cups cold water. Bring to a boil.

Add orange peels and turn heat down to a simmer. Simmer orange peels for 1 hour over low heat. Remove from liquid.

Spread remaining 1 cup sugar evenly on a baking sheet. Roll orange peels in sugar and place on cooling racks until dry, about 3 to 5 hours.

Package peels in decorative glass jars tied with holiday ribbon.

Note: Reserve flavorful simmering liquid and use as a simple syrup to add a holiday touch to iced tea, a Cosmopolitan or Margarita. Packaging suggestions: