Candied Citrus Peel

Ingredients

• 4 or 5 oranges - or lemons may be combined
• 12 cups cold water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3/4 cups boiing water
• 6oz semisweet - or whte choclate drops (more if needed)

Directions

1. Wash fruit and “score” (peel into quarters).
2. Remove sections of peels and cut into uniform strips, about 3/8 “ wide to make about 3 cups of peels.
3. In large saucepan, bring peels and 6 cups water to a boil; boil for 10 minutes.
4. Drain, rinse peels and repeat process with 6 cups fresh water.
5. In large saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup honey and 1 3/4 cups water to a boil for 1 minute.
6. Add drained peels and simmer 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
7. Drain peels well for about 10 minutes.
8. Place remaining sugar in a small bowl.
9. Toss drained peels with sugar until well coated.
10. Spread peels on wax paper to dry.

Peels must be very dry for chocolate to adhere.

1. In the top of a double boiler or in microwave, melt chocolate, stirring occasionally.
2. Dip two-thirds of each peel strip into melted chocolate and place on waxed paper.
3. After chocolate has set, store dipped peels in an airtight container in cool, dry, place.

Makes 60 to 80 candied peels.