6thick-skinned oranges -if non-organic fruit is used wash peels thoroughly before peeling.
4 1/2cupssugarplus extra for rolling
1 1/2cupswater
Instructions
Cut tops and bottoms off the orange and score the orange into quarters, cutting down only into the peel and not into the fruit. Peel the skin and pith of the orange in large pieces, use the orange for another recipe. Cut the peel into strips about 1/4-inch wide. Put the orange peel in a large saucepan with cold water to cover, bring to a boil over high heat. Then pour off the water. Repeat 1 or 2 more times depending on how assertive you want the orange peels to be (3 blanches will mellow to rind’s bitterness quite a bit). Remove the orange peels from the pan.
Whisk the sugar with 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 9 minutes (If you took the sugar's temperature with a candy thermometer it would be at the soft thread stage, 230 to 234 degrees F.) Add the peels and simmer gently, reducing heat to retain a simmer. Cook until the peels get translucent, about 45 minutes. Resist the urge to stir the peels or you may introduce sugar crystals into the syrup. If necessary, swirl the pan to move the peels around. Drain the peels, (save the syrup for ice tea). Roll the peels in sugar and dry on a rack, for 4 to 5 hours. Return to the sugar to store.