Christmas means chocolate oranges, usually made by Terry’s. Well, these traditional French Orangettes are the real way to do a chocolate orange. Forget the ones that come in a box from the shop and make these delightful French fancies.
Orangettes
As many of you will know I just love France. I also love the shops of France, in particular those amazing chocolate shops that do the most fantastic displays in their windows.
There are chocolates of all shapes, sizes and flavours especially at Christmas and Easter.
What are orangettes?
Orangettes are a very much a tradition in France.
They are slices of orange peel that have been candied until they are richly sweet yet still have that bitter grownup kick, oh and they are chewy too.
They can be served either simply dusted in sugar or dipped halfway in chocolate as I have done here.
Orangettes/candied orange peel is like chewy fruit sweets for adults.
These bitter sweet confections are the perfect addition to that hamper for Christmas and are so moreish you will be lucky if you manage to pack them up and give them away!
Ingredients for candied orange peel/orangettes
You are going to need 2 unwaxed oranges for this. If you don’t have unwaxed oranges just scrub the fruit well in soapy water and rinse and dry thoroughly, voila you now have unwaxed oranges!
The other ingredients are granulated sugar, dark chocolate (go for something with over 70% cocoa solids), 1 teaspoon of Scotch whisky (of course!) and sugar to sprinkle on top.
You don’t have to add the chocolate but I love the half and half look and think it really adds to the taste.
The whisky adds a wee dash of the Auld Alliance, that bond between Scotland and France from many, many years ago.
Simply stir this into the melted chocolate at the last minute before dipping your orange pieces.
How to make orangettes
There is nothing difficult about making candied orange peel. It just takes a little time as you have to boil the orange peel a few times.
This is to soften up the peel and although a wee bit of a faff is well worth the effort. And let’s face it, you don’t have to stand there stirring or anything, just boil up and drain, so no excuses!
Once you have done this it’s time to make a simple syrup of sugar and water and cook the orange peel in this to make it all sweet and tender and delicious.
Drain the candied orange peel and let it dry.
Then toss in more sugar and dip one end in the melted chocolate for these totally decadent and luxurious sweet treats.
How long do orangettes keep?
These orangettes will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Warning, they are very, very moreish!
Looking for more foodie gift ideas? Then check out my ebooks;
Naughty and Nice Foodie Gifts For Christmas
Looking for more super easy homemade sweets and candies to make? Then check these out before you go;
4 ingredient chocolate whisky truffles
Refined sugar-free oat and nut snowballs
Refined sugar free mocha truffles
Nutty stuffed chocolate dipped apricots
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Finally, if you try this traditional French orangettes/candied orange peel recipe do please leave a comment/rating below. I love to hear from readers and respond to everyone. Want more Larder Love, then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram and sign up for my weekly newsletter too.
French orangettes/candied orange peel
Ingredients
- 2 unwaxed oranges
- 100 g/3 1/2 oz granulated sugar
- 100 g/3 1/2 oz dark chocolate 70% cocoa solids
- 1 tsp Scotch whisky
- Sugar to scatter on top
Instructions
- Slice the oranges into quarters and remove the peel taking away as much of the bitter white pith as you can.
- Cut into match sticks
- Put peel into a pan and cover with water
- Boil for 5 minutes, drain and repeat this process twice more.
- Put 100g of sugar and 100ml of water into a pan and heat to dissolve sugar then boil for 10 mins and add the peel
- Cook for approx 30 minutes until tender
- Drain and toss in sugar and set aside on baking paper in fridge overnight
- Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water making sure the water does not touch the base of the bowl
- Gently stir in the whisky when you have removed it from the heat and are about to dip in those orange pieces
- Dip the orangettes into the chocolate till half covered, allow to set in a cool place for 2 hours and scatter with sugar
- Pack nto small bags.
- Use within 2 weeks
Go for it they are lovely
K x