Today I Made: Candied Orange Peels

Last week I made this delicious orange pudding, and I thought that it would go really well with some bitter-sweet candied orange peels. I built this recipe by looking at others from several online blogs to see what type of techniques other people are using. It works pretty well on its own, but it can become overpowering, so I suggest eating it combined with something to mellow it out like my orange pudding. There are also plenty of customization options, like adding chocolate to the tips or cutting the orange peels into weird and different shapes.

Ingredients

• 2 orange peels
• 4 cups of sugar, separated
• 3 cups of water

Preparation

1. Cut the orange peel into 4 vertical manageable segments. From each segment of the peel completely cut away all of the pith because it results in a very bitter orange. Cut each of the segments into 1 quarter inch wide strips. 
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and drop the orange strips in for about 15 minutes. By this time the peels should have softened up. Remove the pot from the stove and thoroughly rinse the peels, draining several times.
3. Bring 3 cups sugar and all the water to boil in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add in the boiled orange peels. Once the water is boiling again, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the peels simmer for 45 minutes. Try not the take the peels off the gas too early or the texture may become weird in the center.
4. After the peels have been taken off the gas, place them on a rimmed baking sheet and toss with the sugar until it is completely coated, making sure to separate the strips. Let these dry out for about 1 to 2 days before enjoying. This can be made ahead and stored for 1 month in the freezer. 

Orange Pudding

This is my go-to recipe anytime I need to make a dessert for a crowd on a time limit. The great orange flavor combined with the bouncy texture of jello and cottage cheese combined with the bite of walnuts results in a dessert fit for all ages.

Ingredients

• 1 6 ounce box of orange Jello
• 8 ounces of homemade whipped cream or Cool Whip
• 8 ounces cottage cheese
• 12 ounces of mandarin oranges
• 1 cup of walnuts, halved 

Preparation

1. Prepare the Jello as per the instructions on the box using the quick set method. Once mixed allow the mixture to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
2. In a large bowl, combine the whipped cream with the cottage cheese. Once those two are combined add in the cooled Jello and giving it one more mix. 
3. Place the whole bowl in the fridge for about 15 minutes, but DO NOT let it set completely. Remove the bowl from the fridge and mix in about 3 quarters of the walnuts and all of the mandarin oranges. By adding the mix-ins after the pudding has begin to set allows for them to remain suspended rather than sink straight to the bottom.
4. After letting it set up in the fridge for about 3 hours, remove from the fridge and begin placing in bowls to serve. Top with the leftover walnuts and Enjoy!