Candied Orange Slices Dipped in Chocolate

Barb Gertz's Note:

Someone gave us a gift of these delicious orange slices. These tangy oranges and creamy chocolate are an unbeatable combination. They look fancy and colorful, and are easy to make. A Christmas favorite. These do take a while to make but are well worth it. The orange slices are delicious even without the chocolate. Drying time not included in time. NOTE: When cooking the orange slices DO-NOT STIR. If someone is helping you make sure they do not stir just them push down on the orange slices as recipe says. :) I cut the slices in half again after cooking.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 50 slices

• 4 valencia oranges
• 2 cups water
• 3 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 cups granulated sugar , as needed for coating
• 2 lbs semisweet chocolate , chopped into small pieces (reserve a 2-ounce chunk)

Directions:

1. Cut the oranges in half lengthwise, with the cut side down slice the oranges crosswise into 1/4-inch slices, (you will have 1/2 of a slice of orange:DO-NOT peel),discard the ends.
2. In a 10-inch saute pan combine the water and the 3 1/2 cups of sugar, stir to blend, then bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add the orange slices, separating them, and simmer them gently for 1 hour uncovered; peroidically dunk any floating slices.
4. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
5. Remove the orange slices, with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to let drain and dry for 24 hours; NOTE; I dryed them in my oven set for for baked goods, or if oven has a pilot light, this worked great if it is a damp day.
6. After drying the slices, toss them in the granulated sugar and reserve them, do not stack them as they will stick together.
7. While you are coating the orange slices with the sugar, have the chocolate melting slowly in the top of a double boiler over 120 degree water: Chocolate can be melted in the microwave.
8. When all the chocolate is melted and creamy and registers 100 degrees on an instant themometer, remove the top section from the double boiler.
9. Add the 2-ounce of chocolate and gently stir until the thermometer reads 88 degrees to 91 degree, then remove what remains of the chunk of chocolate.
10. Now dip the orange slices 2/3 of the way into the chocalate; gently scrape off excess chocolate against the side of the pan.
11. Place the orange slices on a sheet of wax paper to set.
12. Work quickly with the slices if the chocolate becomes to thick for dipping, place it over the 120 degree water again until it reaches 88 to 91 degrees.

Reviews

[Chef #788234]

Found this recipe just in time for Holiday gift giving! Do not let the steps scare you off as they are well worth the efforts and follow exactly as given! **I did make one addition to the recipe that I suggest you try and decide for yourself which is ...after dipping slices in chocolate, then sprinkle with sea salt from grinder** Delicious and just the perfect taste bud lifter for all of the sweet!

[cook5]

This seemed to be a complex recipe but was not. I did cut the recipe since this was the first time making it. The oranges candied nicely. I did leave off the extra sugar for coating. and dipped in chocolate. Very nice, thank you

[Sir Archer]

This was a little difficult, but really not tooo hard. They came out really really good though .