Sunday 9 December 2007

Dried Oranges



Drying Orange Slices

Choose fruit that is in good condition and not too ripe. Slice the oranges as thin as you possibly can, and as straight, if you cant cut straight, and I can't, then jsut do the best you can and tell everyone you were going for a more rustic and organic look.

Place the sliced oranges between towels and remove as much moisture as possible by patting gently.

Place the orange slices in a single layer, I placed them on the oven rack but I would suggest using baking racks on a cookie sheet.

Dry in a 150 degree oven for approximately 3 or 4 hours. Check every 1/2 hour.

If the fruit appears to be turning brown the oven is too hot. Shut off for 15 minutes and start again. Turn fruit over if the edges begin to curl. When dry the fruit slices should be pliable.

I threaded ribbon through the orange slices and added a bundle of cinnamon sticks to create tree decorations with H. He almost made one before wandering off to do something more entertaining than making Christmas decorations with me. The dried oranges can be added to potpourri, wreaths, garland, ornaments, and gift tags.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

hey, they look lovely ! I'm going to have a go when I get back from centre parcs
x

Annie B said...

thanks for sharing that "recipe" - they look gorgeous. Am very tempted to have ago...

Unknown said...

They look great. I love how you say 'I used the oven rack, but I recommend a cookie tray'...are you still cleaning the oven of sticky orange? I'm going to try them too - but I hate the smell of oranges on my fingers, so will have to wear gloves :)

Apryl said...

katy- not too much mess and to be honest the oven is always messy and between episodes of baking frenzy. but a few of the edges of the oranges slipped through the oven rack and curled up a bit. It was still a fun project, and would work with lemons or limes too! H has taken an intrest again and I managed to get him to help string some into ornaments.

Frizbe said...

am going to try those this weekend, possibly...if I have time.....