Step 1

Wash and peel the oranges into strips. Trim the edges with a paring knife.

Step 2

Blanch the strips by covering them in cold water and bringing to a boil. Drain and rinse. Repeat this process two more times starting with cold water each time.

Step 3

In a small pot, whisk together the sugar and 1/2 cup water. Place the peels in the mixture. Bring it to a boil and then simmer until the peels become translucent and tender. Store them in the cooking syrup until ready to use.

Step 4

For crystallized peels, remove them from the syrup after it cools and dredge them in sugar in a large pie plate. Let them dry on parchment paper  or a drying rack. If you want to give them a twirly shape, try wrapping them around a straw while they dry or just gently twist with your fingers as you lay them on the rack.