National Candied Orange Peel Day!

Yes you guessed it, another funny food day!  Now, just what is a candied orange peel? And, is it edible? Yes, it's edible.  Candied fruit or crystallized fruit has been around since the 14th century.  Whole fruit, smaller pieces of fruit, or pieces of peel, are placed in heated sugar syrup, which absorbs the moisture from within the fruit and eventually preserves it.  Here is a recipe for you to try:

Sweet Candied Orange and Lemon Peel

Ingredients

• 6 lemon peels, cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 4 orange peels, cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup white sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Place lemon and orange peel in large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 20 minutes, drain and set aside.
2. In medium saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook until mixture reaches thread stage, 230 degrees F (108 degrees C) on candy thermometer, or small amount dropped in cold water forms a soft thread. Stir in peel, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain.
3. Roll peel pieces, a few at a time, in remaining sugar. Let dry on wire rack several hours. Store in airtight container.