Candied Lemon Peels

Makes about 60 sugared peels

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.

Ingredients

8 organic lemons (look for lemons with thick skins)
5 cups sugar, divided

Method

Cut the top and bottom off each lemon. 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. 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. Mix 4 cups sugar in with 3 cups cold water. Bring to a boil. Add lemon peels and turn heat down to a simmer. Simmer lemon peels for 1 hour over low heat. Remove from liquid.

Spread remaining sugar evenly on a baking sheet. Roll lemon peels in sugar and place on cooling racks to dry, about 3 to 5 hours.

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 Lemon Drop Martini or Margarita.

Nutrition

Per serving (4 peels): 220 calories (0 from fat), 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 57g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 55g sugar), 0g protein

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2359