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Christmas is a time for indulgence, and nothing captures the festive spirit better than homemade dried fruits and candied peels.
These treats are not only perfect for adding to cakes, puddings, and biscuits but also make lovely edible gifts or decorations for your Christmas tree.
Best of all, making them at home is much simpler than you might think, and the results are far superior to anything you’ll find in the shops.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of making your own dried fruits and candied peels at home, using British measurements and ingredients. Let’s fill your kitchen with the sweet, citrusy scents of the festive season!
Part 1: How to Make Dried Fruits
Dried fruits are a staple of Christmas baking, whether it’s for a classic Christmas cake, mince pies, or a festive fruit loaf. You can dry a wide range of fruits at home, such as oranges, apples, pears, and cranberries, using your oven or a dehydrator.
What You’ll Need:
Fresh fruits of your choice (e.g., oranges, lemons, apples, pears)
1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Water
Method:
Prepare the Fruits:
Wash the fruits thoroughly.
For citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, slice them into thin rounds (around 5mm thick).
For apples and pears, core them (if preferred) and slice them into thin rings.
If drying cranberries, pierce each berry with a pin to allow them to dry more effectively.
Soak in Lemon Water:
Mix a bowl of water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice to prevent the fruits from browning.
Soak the slices in the lemon water for about 5 minutes, then pat them dry with a clean towel.
Dry the Fruits:
In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 100°C (210°F, Gas Mark 1/4). Place the fruit slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake for 2-4 hours, turning them over halfway through. The exact time will depend on the fruit type and thickness. The fruits should be dry but still slightly flexible when done.
In a Dehydrator: Arrange the fruit slices on the dehydrator trays. Set the dehydrator to 60°C (140°F) and let them dry for 6-8 hours, checking periodically.
Store:
Once completely dried, store the fruits in airtight containers. They’ll last for several months, making them perfect for use throughout the festive season.
Part 2: How to Make Candied Citrus Peels
Candied peels are a traditional Christmas treat that adds a burst of flavour to cakes, cookies, and even cocktails. The combination of zesty citrus and sweet sugar makes them an irresistible festive snack.
What You’ll Need:
4-5 large oranges, lemons, or a mix of citrus fruits
200g granulated sugar
200ml water
Extra sugar for coating
Method:
Prepare the Peels:
Wash the citrus fruits thoroughly to remove any wax.
Using a knife, carefully peel the fruits, trying to keep the peels in large strips. Avoid cutting too deep—you want to include the white pith, but not too much of it.
Slice the peels into thin strips, approximately 1cm wide.
Boil the Peels:
Place the citrus peels in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil, then drain the water. Repeat this process two more times. This helps to soften the peels and removes their bitterness.
Candy the Peels:
In a clean saucepan, combine 200g sugar with 200ml water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a syrup.
Add the boiled peels to the syrup. Let them simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes, or until the peels turn translucent.
Stir occasionally to ensure the peels are well coated in the syrup and don’t burn.
Dry and Coat:
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied peels onto a wire rack lined with parchment paper. Allow them to dry for 2-3 hours.
Once slightly tacky, roll the peels in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish. Let them dry completely before storing.
Store:
Store the candied peels in an airtight container. They can last for several weeks, making them perfect for gifting or adding to your festive bakes.
Part 3: How to Make Candied Fruits
If you want to take your Christmas treats to the next level, try making candied fruits like cherries, pineapple, or even ginger. These are ideal for adding to rich fruitcakes or simply enjoying as a sweet treat.
What You’ll Need:
500g of fresh fruits (e.g., cherries, pineapple, ginger)
400g granulated sugar
300ml water
Optional: a few tablespoons of honey or golden syrup for extra richness
Method:
Prepare the Fruits:
Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces. If using cherries, remove the stones; if using pineapple, peel and core it before cutting into chunks.
For ginger, peel and slice it into thin pieces.
Make the Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and honey or golden syrup (if using). Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
Add the prepared fruits and bring to a gentle simmer. Let them cook for 30-60 minutes, depending on the fruit, until they become tender and glossy.
Dry the Fruits:
Remove the candied fruits from the syrup using a slotted spoon. Spread them out on a wire rack lined with parchment paper.
Allow them to dry at room temperature for 24 hours, or place them in an oven preheated to 90°C (200°F, Gas Mark 1/4) for 1-2 hours.
Store:
Store the candied fruits in airtight containers, where they’ll stay fresh for several weeks.
Ways to Use Your Homemade Dried Fruits and Candied Peels:
In Baking: Add to Christmas cakes, stollen, or mince pies for bursts of festive flavour.
Decorating: Use dried citrus slices to decorate your Christmas tree or festive wreaths.
Gifting: Pack candied peels and fruits into pretty jars, tie with a festive ribbon, and give them as homemade Christmas gifts.
Festive Drinks: Add dried fruits or a slice of candied peel to mulled wine or a hot toddy for an aromatic twist.
Conclusion: A Homemade Christmas to Remember
Making your own dried fruits and candied peels is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of Christmas. The process is simple, the results are delicious, and the scents that fill your home will instantly put you in the festive mood. Plus, these homemade goodies make thoughtful, personal gifts for friends and family.
This Christmas, skip the shop-bought versions and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting these traditional treats yourself. Happy Christmas, and may your home be filled with the sweet scents of the season!