Homemade Candied Citrus Peel

Cut the citrus into quarters and carefully remove the peel.

Scrape away most of the white pith with a small knife, then slice the peel into strips about 1/4 inch wide.

Place the strips in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.

Drain.

Repeat this blanching process two more times, using fresh water each time, to mellow the bitterness.

In the clean saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water.

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Add the drained peel and simmer gently for 45–60 minutes, until the strips look translucent.

Avoid stirring too much.

Remove the peel with a fork or slotted spoon and arrange it in a single layer on a wire rack set over a tray.

Let it dry for about 4 hours, or until tacky but no longer wet.

Toss the strips in extra sugar if desired.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.