Gather around, friends! There’s nothing quite like those first whiffs of citrus wafting through the air as the holiday season approaches. The excitement of bursting into the kitchen to whip up something sweet and delightful floats my heart like a warm breeze. One of my fondest memories is making treats with my grandma under the twinkling lights of our kitchen, and oh, how we loved to play with flavors! That’s why I can’t wait to share with you these Irresistible Dark Chocolate Orange Slices with Candied Peel. This sweet, tangy treat perfectly embodies the season and adds a little magic to your dessert trays.
Just imagine: luscious dark chocolate hugging glossy, zesty orange slices, all topped off with a sparkly sprinkle of candied peel. They are visually stunning—fragrant, vibrant, and utterly enchanting! And the best part? Making them is simpler than you might think! Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful adventure together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balances rich dark chocolate with bright citrus flavors.
- Easy to prepare, making them an excellent option for last-minute gatherings.
- The candied peel adds a delightful texture and a little pizazz!
- These treats are sure to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
- Can be made ahead and stored for future cravings or festive gifting!
Ingredients
- 2 medium oranges (preferably organic for better zest)
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 ounces dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), chopped
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon orange extract for an extra citrus kick
Note: Using fresh oranges not only brings more flavor, but they also yield beautifully vibrant slices. Don’t underestimate the zest, my friend—it’s where the magic really happens!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s embark on this gourmet journey!
- Prepare the Oranges: Start by washing the oranges thoroughly to get rid of any wax. Slice them into about ¼-inch thick rounds. You want them to be thick enough to hold their shape but not so thick that they lose their charm. Tip: Remove any seeds you see.
- Candy the Peel: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, gently add your orange slices and let them simmer for about 45 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they’re evenly coated with that sugary bath. Watch out: Don’t let them boil; you want a gentle simmer to keep them tender!
- Cool and Dry: Once tender, remove the slices from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool. This will help them dry out and become a bit sticky—perfect for adding a sprinkle of sugar later!
- Melt the Chocolate: While the slices are cooling, let’s melt the dark chocolate! You can do this using a double boiler or the microwave. If using the microwave, heat in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Pro tip: Don’t overheat or the chocolate can seize up!
- Dip Away: Once the chocolate has melted, take your cooled orange slices and gently dip half of each slice into the chocolate. Place them back on the wire rack, and while the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top. This contrast of flavors will blow your taste buds away!
- Chill Out: Place the dipped slices in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set. This step is crucial for that perfect crunchy bite!
Pro Tips & Variations
If you want to get creative with your chocolate orange slices, here are some fun twists to consider:
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a surprising kick!
- Nuts About Nuts: Drizzle some toasted almonds or pistachios on top before the chocolate sets for a crunchy contrast.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: For an elegant look, drizzle melted white chocolate on top for a lovely contrast that tastes divine.
- Flavored Chocolate: Use orange or mint-flavored chocolate for an extra layer of flavor fusion.
Serving Suggestions
These Irresistible Dark Chocolate Orange Slices are versatile and can shine on any occasion! Serve them as a delightful standalone treat at your next holiday gathering, or for a cozy afternoon, pair them with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or rich espresso. Imagine biting into that zesty orange, the smooth chocolate melting in your mouth while sipping your favorite drink—pure bliss!
They also make for gorgeous gifts when packaged neatly in cellophane bags tied with a twine bow. Who wouldn’t love receiving such thoughtful homemade goodies?
Storage Tips
Now, once you’ve indulged in your delectable chocolate orange slices, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers (if you can resist eating them all at once!). Here’s what I recommend:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The chocolate may lose some shine, but they’ll still taste amazing!
- Freeze: Want to save some for a later date? You can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
- Reheat: For any softened chocolate, you can chill them again in the refrigerator with no loss of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of milk chocolate’s creaminess, feel free to swap it in. Just remember, it will give a different flavor, leaning sweeter than the rich bitterness of dark chocolate.
What type of oranges work best for this recipe?
I recommend using organic navel oranges; they have a lovely sweetness and provide just the right zestiness. Plus, organic means fewer chemicals on the peel, which is important when you’re cooking with the skin!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply use dark chocolate that is specifically labeled dairy-free or vegan-friendly, and you’ll have a delightful treat that suits everyone at the table.
How can I make the candied peel without the candying process?
If you’re short on time, feel free to skip the candied peel! You can zest the orange peel and sprinkle it over the chocolate slices before they set for that citrusy zing without the extra steps.
What else can I do with leftover candied peel?
Great question! You can chop it up and mix it into cookie dough, sprinkle it over ice cream, or toss it into a fruit salad for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
And there you have it! Your very own batch of Irresistible Dark Chocolate Orange Slices with Candied Peel. I hope you find as much joy in making these as I do. The perfect blend of rich chocolate and zesty orange is just waiting to light up your celebrations!
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or any twists you’ve tried with the recipe! I’d love to hear your stories and see your creations. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Decadent Dark Choco Orange Slices w/ Candied Peel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in easy homemade treats with our dark choco orange slices recipe, featuring delicious candied peel for a unique twist. Perfect for dessert lovers!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful treat combining luscious dark chocolate and zesty orange slices, finished with a sparkly sprinkle of candied peel. Perfect for festive gatherings and homemade gifts!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: chocolate orange slices, dark chocolate, candied orange peel, holiday treats, homemade gifts
Leave a Comment