Step 1

Slice citrus in half. Using a fork, scrape out the insides of the fruit and reserve for another use (like juicing). Be careful not to puncture the citrus peel itself. Using a small knife, cut a slit into the side of each peel and press to flatten (like the shape you would see on an atlas). Use a small and sharp cutter to cut out shapes of choice. If you do not have a small cutter, cut citrus into small rectangular strips.

Step 2

Add cut out citrus to a medium pot on the stove with a few cups of water. Bring both to a boil over high heat (covering the pot can speed up this process). Once citrus is boiling (with heavy bubbles), let cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain liquid away. Repeat this process two more times (so you will have three boilings total). Each time you boil, you are helping soften the peels and removing some of their more bitter notes).

Step 3

After the third round, add peels back to the pot with 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil again, stir, and let cook 20-30 minutes, until mixture is very bubbly and fragrant. Carefully drain the liquid off, as the molten sugar can burn you! Place candied peels on a wire rack and let dry for a few minutes, until not hot to the touch.

Step 4

Mix remaining 1 cup sugar with citric acid in a medium bowl. Toss candied peel in this mixture to coat. Place back on the wire rack to dry fully. Sour Patch Kids will keep for about a month in a sealed container. Feel free to reserve sugar coating and re-roll just before eating!