Candied Orange Sticks

A Housewife's Holiday Treat: Candied Orange Sticks

The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, but amidst the chaos, there's always time for a little something sweet. This year, I decided to try my hand at making candied orange sticks – a project that proved to be surprisingly simple and rewarding. The aroma alone filled my kitchen with a festive cheer, instantly transforming the ordinary into something magical.

I've always loved the idea of homemade gifts, something that conveys more than just a monetary value, but a piece of my time and care. These candied orange sticks, elegantly wrapped in cellophane, are the perfect embodiment of this. They make a thoughtful and charming gift for neighbours, friends, or even teachers. The process, while involving a few steps, isn't overly complicated. In fact, I found it quite therapeutic, a relaxing activity amidst the holiday rush. I’ve even found that the kids enjoy helping me with the simpler steps; they love the sweet citrus scent.

The recipe itself is quite adaptable. I started with oranges, of course, as they're the classic choice, but there's a world of possibilities. Lemons and grapefruits would make equally delightful variations, each offering a unique twist on the original recipe. And let’s not forget the chocolate! Experiment with milk, dark, or white chocolate – the choice is yours! This is where you can really get creative and tailor the treat to your taste and the recipient's preferences.

One unexpected bonus: the incredibly long shelf life! Before dipping in chocolate, the candied orange sticks can be stored for several months, making this a fantastic make-ahead project. Perfect for those of us juggling multiple tasks during the festive period. Once dipped in chocolate, while they are best enjoyed fresh, they still have a good three-week window for enjoyment. It’s a perfect recipe for managing time effectively, giving you the option to create your festive sweets in advance.

Beyond the simple steps and delicious end result, this recipe has reignited my passion for preserving the flavors of the season. I'm already planning to explore other variations, maybe even adding spices to complement the citrus flavors. So, if you're looking for a unique, delicious, and thoughtful gift or a delightful addition to your own holiday festivities, I highly recommend giving these candied orange sticks a try. It's a taste of home, handcrafted with love and sure to bring a smile to everyone's face.

Beyond the Holidays: While these candied delights are especially fitting for the festive season, they're really a treat for any time of year. The bright, zesty flavor of the oranges is a welcome pick-me-up anytime, regardless of the occasion. They're a fantastic addition to a gift basket, a charming inclusion in a lunchbox, or simply a delicious treat for yourself. The recipe's versatility is what makes it truly special. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Scrub the oranges, then remove the peel in quarters. To do this, cut through the peel with a sharp knife, going right around the orange, starting and finishing at the stem end, then repeat at a right angle to the first cut. Remove the peel, with the attached pith, from the fruit. Weigh out 9 ounces of peel and cut it into slices measuring about 1/4 by 2 inches.
• Put the orange peel slices into a large pan and cover with 8 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and return to the pan with 4 cups of cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved (it won’t take long). Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 24 hours.
• Bring the pan to a boil again. Add the corn syrup, if using, and boil gently, uncovered, for 30 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated and the orange sticks are coated with bubbling orange syrup. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Using a pair of tongs (or your fingers), carefully remove the orange sticks and place on a wire rack with a tray underneath to catch the drips. Leave in a warm place for 24 hours, or place in a very low oven at approximately 140°F for 2 to 3 hours to dry.
• Break the chocolate into pieces, put into a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, and leave until melted. Remove from the heat. Dip one half of each orange stick in the melted chocolate and place on a sheet of parchment or waxed paper to dry.