The holidays are right around the corner: Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and Christmas is just six weeks later. As is the case for so many homemakers everywhere, my holiday countdown has begun!
First up on my To Do list is make candied mix peel. Mixed peel is a staple of Irish holiday baking: it is added to Christmas Cake, Plum Pudding, and is often given as a beautiful homemade gift.
If you have ever tasted store bought mix peel, I want you to forget everything you thought you ever knew about this holiday ingredient. Mixed peel from a plastic tub is bland and unappealing. It’s also loaded with horrid ingredients. Homemade candied mix peel, on the other hand, is brightly coloured, sparkling in sugar crystals, and tastes wonderfully citrusy.
Another bonus of making your own mixed peel is that it’s something you can involve your kids or grandkids in. And, don’t we all want to share time with the young people in our lives? Little-littles and teens can be involved in every stage: selecting the fruit, washing it, juicing and peeling it, cutting it {with your help}, boiling it and, finally, sugaring it.
Wishing you well as you begin your own holiday countdown! And, in all the hassle and bustle, do remember…this is the perfect season for memory making and reviving family rituals. Enjoy!
Citrus Mixed Peel
Makes 4 cups
Ingredients
2 grapefruits, preferably organic
3 oranges, preferably organic
4 lemons, preferably organic
8oz/2 cups sugar
8oz/250ml/1 cup sugar
Directions
1 Cut each citrus in half and juice. Reserve the juice for another purpose and do not use a squeeze juicer as it will damage the peel.
2. Cut each citrus into quarters and, using a paring knife, carefully pull out the inside pith and membrane.
3. Slice the citrus quarters into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
4. Put the citrus strips into a heavy saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat and blanch for 5 minutes.
5. Drain and repeat Step 4 two more times.
6. While the citrus peels are draining the third time, put the sugar and water into the heavy saucepan and bring to a boil, stir to dissolve the sugar.
7. When the sugar is dissolved, add the citrus peel and boil gently for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the peels do not burn.
8. Remove the peel with a slotted spoon and leave to cool for about 30 minutes. Reserve the syrup for another use, perhaps a flavouring for ice tea. Set a rack over a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
9. Put the peel into a clean bowl and pour over 1 cup sugar and mix well. Spread the sugared peel on the wire rack and leave to dry. The drying process can take 2, maybe even 3, days.
10. Once fully dry, store candied mix peel in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
Additional Notes, Related Articles & Credit:
* Since most pesticide residue is found in the skin, its important to use organic fruit when making candied peel.
** Click here for my favourite homemade mince pie recipe.
*** And if you’re looking for homemade Irish recipes for giving at Christmas, please see my post here.
In an Irish Home 