Chocolate-covered orange peels have become a classic treat. But what makes them so delicious? The answer lies in the combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors that can be achieved by creating candied orange peels and choosing the right chocolate to enrobe them. From dark to white chocolate, there are many options for making this indulgent snack. In this blog post, we'll explore why chocolate-covered orange peels taste so good, how you can make your own at home, and which types of chocolates work best for coating these treats. Get ready for an adventure into candy-making – let's dive in.
What Makes Chocolate-Covered Orange Peels Delicious?
Chocolate-covered orange peels are a delicious treat that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the tartness of oranges. The combination of flavors creates a unique and delightful taste that will please any palate. The texture of the orange peel also adds an interesting contrast to the smoothness of the chocolate, making it even more enjoyable.
The key to creating this delectable snack lies in selecting quality ingredients. Start by choosing ripe oranges with skins made for easy peeling and maximum flavor. Choose oranges that have thicker skins, like Navel or Valencia varieties. When it comes to chocolate, dark or semi-sweet types work best as they provide enough sweetness without overpowering the citrus flavor from the orange peel.
Orange peels can be bitter, but you can remove some of this bitterness by blanching them in boiling water. We use this technique: peel the orange peels into 1/4-inch strips and then cover them with cold water in a sturdy pan. Please bring them to a boil and immediately drain them. Repeat this process at least three times but up to five times if necessary to reduce the bitterness to your taste.
To candy them, make a sugar solution of equal parts sugar and water and bring it to a simmer, so the sugar is completely dissolved. Place the orange peels in the solution so they are entirely submerged, then gently simmer them for 15 to 30 minutes. You want them to be nearly translucent and slightly tender. Don't stir the pot after adding the orange peels to the sugar solution. After you have finished the cooking step, drain the sugar solution and then place them in a bowl and toss them with more sugar. Then cool the orange peels completely on parchment paper or waxed paper-lined baking sheets.
Once cooled, dip each strip into melted chocolate using tongs or two forks and allow excess liquid to drip off before placing it onto parchment paper so that it sets properly. For extra indulgence, top each piece with chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts.
The delightful blend of chocolatey sweetness and zesty orange peel will tingle your taste buds.
Key Takeaway: For that perfect chocolate-enrobed orange peel experience, it is paramount to choose only the finest ingredients and handle them with care so as not to overdo it - else one might end up with a tough chew.
What Chocolate Works Best With Candied Orange Peels?
Dark chocolate has a rich flavor that pairs well with the tartness of oranges, while milk chocolate provides a sweeter taste that complements the sweetness of the candied peel.
Dark Chocolate:
Dark chocolate has an intense flavor profile, making it ideal for combining with tart flavors like those found in candied orange peels. It boasts a plethora of antioxidants, outstripping the content in other chocolates due to its more excellent cocoa solid concentration, thus making it a more beneficial selection. When using dark chocolate for your candy creation, select one that contains at least 60% cacao solids or higher for optimal flavor and texture. Our favorite chocolate at Hill Country Chocolate is Felchlin's Maracaibo, 65% Dark Chocolate.
Milk Chocolate:
Milk chocolate is often preferred by those who enjoy sweeter treats because its creamy texture and mellow sweetness balance the tangy notes from the oranges in your candy creation. When selecting milk chocolates for your recipe,, ensure they contain at least 30% cocoa solids or higher, so you get all the goodness without sacrificing taste.
White Chocolate:
White chocolates have become increasingly popular over recent years thanks to their smooth creaminess and subtle sweetness, which works perfectly alongside fruity flavors like those found in candied orange peels. However, white chocolates tend to contain minimal cocoa solids (often only around 20%), so be sure to check labels carefully before purchasing them for this purpose – opting instead for brands containing more significant amounts will ensure maximum flavor from each bite.
A plethora of chocolates exists on the market, ranging from dark to milk and all points in between. When creating delicious treats featuring candied orange peels, opt for either dark or milk varieties containing at least 60% or 30%, respectively. This will provide optimum flavor and texture combinations, ensuring success every time.
Key Takeaway: No matter the chocolate selected for your candied orange peels, make sure it contains a considerable cocoa content (60% or more in dark chocolates and 30% or higher in milk varieties) to ensure superior flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Opt for top-notch chocolate when making or buying these tasty chocolate-dipped orange peels for a delightful indulgence. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can easily create this delightful snack that will have everyone asking for more. Why not take a chance and experience the pleasure of this delectable treat? You won't regret it.