Talk about a taste of the holidays! These deliciously sweet and tart candies are wonderful when dipped in white or dark chocolate. They also make for beautiful garnishes on a whipped cream cake or frosted pound cake. Package for gift giving with our downloadable gift tag.

Makes about 60 sugared peels

• 6 organic oranges (choose oranges with thick skins)
• 5 cups sugar, divided

1. Cut the top and bottom off each orange. Using a vegetable peeler, peel off pieces of the skin, cutting from top to bottom. Slice peels into 1/4-inch strips or leave in natural shaped pieces.
2. Place peels in a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute. Drain and repeat two more times.
3. Mix 4 cups sugar with 3 cups cold water. Bring to a boil. Add orange peels and turn heat down to a simmer. Simmer orange peels for 1 hour over low heat. Remove from liquid.
4. Spread remaining sugar evenly on a baking sheet. Roll orange peels in sugar and place on cooling racks to dry, about 3 to 5 hours.
5. Package peels in decorative glass jars tied with holiday ribbon. Note: Reserve simmering liquid and use as a simple syrup to add a holiday touch to iced tea, a Cosmopolitan or Margarita. Packaging suggestions: