Candied Peels... Lime, Lemon, Orange?

You will need:

Lime peel:
Peel from 1 citrus fruit
1 1/2 c. sugar
Sugar for coating peel

*adapted from Martha Stewart

Syrup:
Saved simple syrup (sugar + water) from candied lime peel
Juice from peeled citrus fruit (above)
Food coloring

Peel the fruit carefully, making sure to remove all or at least as much of the white colored rind as you can (the white part can be very bitter). Bring a medium sauce pan full of water to a boil. While the water is heating up, prepare another bowl with cold water and ice cubes and set aside.

Once the water boils you'll need to boil the peels for one minute intervals alternating with a one minute ice bath in the prepared bowl. Do this alternation 3-4 times.

On the last ice bath, dump out the boiling water. Mix the 1 c. of fresh water with the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling throw in the cold peels and boil for 5 min. stirring occasionally. Remove with slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set on top of parchment paper (or similar)... this makes clean up easier. Sprinkle with sugar before completely cooled. Store in air-tight container.

Retain the sugar water mixture to make the citrus syrup. Add the juice from the peeled fruit to taste and continue to boil until the mixture slightly thickens. To get the appropriate color add food coloring to get your preferred shade.


*Tips/Hints/Suggestions:

Great for garnishing pies and cakes!

Try using as a garnish in your favorite cocktail... yum

The simple syrup can be used as a decoration for pies and cakes as well and, like the peels, can be used in your favorite cocktail.

ENJOY!