Candied lemon peel is a delightful, citrusy snack that adds a refreshing burst of sweetness and tang to your holiday treats. This simple yet elegant candy is made by simmering lemon peels in a sugar syrup until they become tender and coated with a sweet, glossy finish. With its natural tartness balanced by sugar, candied lemon peel is a perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table or a lovely gift to share with loved ones.
The process of making candied lemon peel is relatively easy and requires only a few ingredients. Fresh lemons are the star of the show, and their peels are carefully cut into strips to create long, slender pieces. After removing the bitter white pith from the peel, the strips are simmered in a simple syrup made of water and sugar. This gentle simmering allows the peels to absorb the sweetness of the syrup while softening and becoming translucent, creating a candy that is both chewy and sweet.
Once the peels have been soaked in the syrup, they are rolled in sugar, which helps to crystallize the outer layer, giving the candy a sweet, crunchy exterior. The result is a tangy, sugary bite that’s full of citrus flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. The candied lemon peel can be enjoyed on its own or used to garnish cakes, cookies, or other desserts, adding a festive touch and a burst of bright, citrusy flavor.
Candied lemon peel is also versatile enough to be used in savory dishes or drinks. You can chop it up and sprinkle it over salads or use it to enhance cocktails like martinis or mojitos. It also makes a wonderful addition to a holiday gift basket, packaged in a small jar with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade present.
Whether you’re indulging in this treat on its own or incorporating it into your festive recipes, candied lemon peel is a sweet, tangy, and refreshing way to celebrate the season. With its delicate balance of sugar and citrus, it’s a treat that’s sure to brighten your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 4 lemons organic preferred
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash the lemons thoroughly and peel them using a vegetable peeler, trying to avoid the white pith.
- Place the peels in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes and then drain.
- In the same pot, combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the lemon peels to the sugar syrup and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, or until the peels become translucent.
- Remove the peels from the syrup and let them dry on a wire rack for several hours.
- Once dry, roll the peels in additional sugar if desired.
Nutrition
