Candied Citrus Zest Recipe (like Airheads)

Right in time for Halloween.

I have had this recipe forever

and finally got around to giving it a whirl.

They look just beautiful.

Recipe:

1 pink grapefruit

4 oranges

6 lemons

6 limes

8 cups cold water, divided

6 cups sugar, divided

1. Using a vegetable peeler (I used a paring knife) peel

rind from fruits trying to include as little of the bitter white pith

as possible.  In a large saucepan, cover the zest strips with

2 cups cold water.  Bring to a boil; drain and rinse zest

under cold running water.  Repeat procedure two more times,

using fresh water each time.

2.  Return blanched zest strips to the saucepan.  Cover with 4 cups 

sugar; add remaining 2 cups water.  Bring to a boil; reduce

heat to a simmer.  Continue to simmer until zest is

translucent in color, about 10 minutes.

3.  Remove from heat; cool and drain.  Lay strips on a wire rack

set over parchment paper.  Allow to dry for at least

4 hours at room temperature.

4.  Toss zest in remaining sugar, coating completely.

Transfer to an airtight container.  Store at room 

temperature for up to 1 month.

Warning: when I ate them, I made a

"Kodak face."  I am not the sweet/sour 

sort of candy lover.

My son thinks they are great.

(They resemble the Airhead candy)

Also, when I tried to use a potato peeler,

I had issues so just used a paring knife.

They also make a great centerpiece though

I think they might be gone by the weekend:)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches