Candied Lemon Peels

Cut the top and bottom off each lemon. 

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. Reserve lemons for another use.

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.

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

Add lemon peels and turn heat down to a simmer. 

Simmer lemon peels for 1 hour over low heat. Remove from liquid.

Spread remaining sugar evenly on a baking sheet. 

Roll lemon peels in sugar and place on cooling racks to dry, about 3 to 5 hours. 

Package peels in decorative glass jars tied with holiday ribbon.