chickencam Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I am going to have a go at it today, because I haven't managed to get hold of any of the lovely Sundora whole mixed peel this year, which tastes so much better in Delia's Christmas cake and mincemeat. I was just wondering if anyone else has tried it yet, it is from their Twelve days of Christmas book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 So far I have peeled 3 medium oranges, 2 large lemons, half a lime left over from using in drinks which would go to waste otherwise, and a grapefruit. The peel has been cut into 7mm approx strips and put into a large pan, I then covered it with cold water and brought it to the boil. This water is then discarded and the peel is recovered with more cold water brought to the boil and simmered for 30 minutes. (the house smells divine ). I am now going to dissolve some sugar in some water bring it to the boil and add the drained peel, and simmer again until the syrup is absorbed and the water evapourated (or the pan is burnt ) Watch this space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Sounds fantastic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 Smells fantastic I have it very gently simmering in the syrup (500g sugar in 250ml water) now, so fingers crossed. It has to simmer for an hour. Then into the airing cupboard overnight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 It sounds lovely and I can just 'smell' your house now I'll be interested to know if it's like the whole candied peel by Sundora. I can't believe how different that stuff is to chopped mixed candied peel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I haven't used their recipe but have made my own - i think the recipe i used was in the Preserves book by Pam Corbin, sounds very similar though and is gorgeous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I have only used the one Lesley mentioned above. Loads of work and took an age to fully dry out, but once half dipped in dark chocolate they were delish! I have lots of oranges at the moment and might make some. Good luck with yours, they sound yum. Just a few in a small bag make a nice gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I have only used the one Lesley mentioned above. Loads of work and took an age to fully dry out, I made it a quicker process by rolling the sticks of peel in sugar Christian - then I put them on cake racks to finish drying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 They look beautiful and are now drying on parchment paper in the airing cupboard. I didn't burn them to the bottom of the pan, but I did read the burnt pan thread just in case It said in the recipe that the simmering in syrup stage should take about an hour, it took mine over 2 hours, but I do think that I took their 'simmer very gently' a bit to literally at first. All of the naked oranges have now been eaten, but I have no takers for the naked grapefruit or the lemons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Oooooh!! I'll take the grapefruit!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted November 17, 2010 Share Posted November 17, 2010 Chop up the lemons as though for drinks and freeze them - Ice-Cube and Lemon in one! Have a bag full zested lime wedges in the freezer at the moment, waiting for the right drinks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted November 17, 2010 Author Share Posted November 17, 2010 Good plan thanks My peel has dried quite well overnight, it has a few sugar crystals on it. I will pack it into a jar tomorrow I think. It is another example of realising what is in your food when you make your own though. where did all that sugar go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
