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Easy Homemade Spiced Dried Orange Slices for Holiday Drinks

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These spiced dried orange slices are chewy, fragrant, and gorgeous floating in hot cider or mulled wine. With just ten minutes of prep and an overnight oven trick, you get a beautiful garnish that makes your house smell incredible while you sleep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 large navel oranges
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2 to 3 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (organic cane sugar preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). If your oven runs hot, go down to 180°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire cooling rack on top if you have one.
  2. Wash and dry the oranges thoroughly. Scrub them under warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
  3. Slice the oranges into even rounds, about ¼-inch thick, using a serrated knife. Aim for uniform slices so they finish at the same time. You should get about 6 to 8 slices per orange.
  4. Lay the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overlap them. If using a wire rack, place the slices directly on the rack.
  5. Press 3 to 4 whole cloves into each slice, pushing them gently into the flesh without going all the way through.
  6. Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture lightly over the tops of the orange slices.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 4 to 6 hours. Check at the 4-hour mark. The slices should feel dry to the touch but still slightly pliable, with firm edges and leathery centers.
  8. Let the slices cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Notes

For the overnight method, set oven to 175°F (80°C) and dry for 8 to 10 hours. The lower temperature prevents over-drying. Slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If they lose crispness, reheat at 200°F for 15-20 minutes. For a sugar-free version, omit the sugar sprinkle. For a citrus mix, combine oranges, lemons, and grapefruits; adjust drying times accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: dried orange slices, spiced oranges, holiday garnish, homemade dried fruit, orange slices for drinks, easy dried oranges, oven dried oranges

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-homemade-spiced-dried-orange-slices-for-holiday-drinks/