Insanity

I must be insane to do this.
This is what people do in institutions to pass the time.
My mother used to do needlepoint to relax her, she said it was very calming.

Well, this is certainly calming. Though it might make you crazy! What a chore.
Wouldn't do it again, but I did it, so I am going to blog about it.

WARNING: Buy these at the store ready made, it is much easier!

I needed some candied orange peel for a recipe this weekend and had a big bag of oranges in the outside fridge that were going to be thrown away if I didn't use them, so why not make my own candied orange peel?

I found this recipe on a blog called USE REAL BUTTER, her photos are gorgeous and she made it sound easy.
Believe me, it is a 2 person job, unless you want to peel and slice oranges all night.

First start by cutting your thick skinned oranges in half, and use the fruit for delicious fresh squeezed juice, that is what we did.



Now I have all these ugly squeezed oranges. Now get rid of the leftover pulp inside, and most of the pith (if you can!). Some sites say to keep the pith, others say it makes the peel too bitter.
My husband helped me by using a grapefruit knife (hey, it was an activity that we could do together and spend quality time together............).

PEOPLE WHO COOK TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER.

Once you have your orange peels nice and clean (about an hour later w/ 2 people working), drink the 2 glasses of delicious juice, vodka optional.

Slice your peels into 1/4" strips. Put them in a saucepan and cover w/ cold water and boil. Pour off the water, and do this 2 more times.



Now add 3 cups of sugar and water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook about 45 minutes till translucent.

Remove peels from syrup and roll in sugar. Dry on wax paper on a rack for about 4 hours.
Jennifer from Use Real Butter dipped hers in chocolate (fancy pants), but I needed mine for a recipe (next week's surprise), so they are stored in a container for future use.

They were really delicious, but not my kind of fun!
If I wasn't insane before I made them, I feel like I am now.