Thanksgiving, Turkey, and Oranges

Thanksgiving…my favorite time of the year! No matter how you slice it, I love the fall.  My mom loved Turkey and Dressing and all the trimmings, and she instilled that love of all the flavors in my sister and me.  I hope that we have instilled the same love in our kiddos and grandkiddos!

I made these candied orange rinds with all intentions of having some around at Thanksgiving to munch on but lo and behold I chopped some up and put in the best scone recipe (this was Pioneer Woman’s basic cream scone recipe and one of the best recipes I have ever tried and I have tried alot) and drizzled with some glaze and they were knock your socks off good.   The candied orange rinds are good to eat by theirselves or top on some pancakes, or as I did, dip some in some melted semi sweet chocolate chips – oh my!

Recipe will follow.  but first – A GIVEAWAY! and not just any old giveaway!

Since it is Thanksgiving, I want to give you the chance to show your thankfulness for all that you have been given.  Two people will be drawn and each will win two $25 gift cards – one to keep and one to “pay it forward” – pass it on to someone they feel it would benefit during this Thanksgiving season.  Is there someone in your church who could use a helping hand?  An elderly neighbor?  Know someone who has lost their job or who is looking for a job?   It could mean a Turkey dinner for someone.

SO…if you want a chance to win two gift cards (one to keep and one to give away) just leave a comment and let us know what your favorite Thanksgiving dish will be on your table this year!  And Happy Thanksgiving to all!  Winners will be selected Friday so I can get these in the mail hopefully Saturday!

And now the recipe for the Candied Orange Peels:

Candied Orange Peels

1.  take 3 whole oranges and cut off the ends.  then make cuts down the peel to quarter the peel in sections.  Peel off the peeling.  I then make sure to remove any of the white pith off the inside of the peeling – it keeps it from being so bitter.
2. Cut the peel into very thin long strips (about 1/8 inch thick strips) – you basically want long thin strips – they dry better.
3. Take a heavy saucepan and add 3 cups sugar and 3 cups water and stir – bring to a boil and cut down to medium heat – add strips and cook for 30-45 minutes or until the strips are limp and translucent.  Remove from water and drain.  (sweeten your pitcher of tea with the orange sugar water – yum!)
4. once drained, take a 9×13 glass pan and add 1 cup sugar and then put the drained orange peels on top of the sugar, making sure they are single layer.  Add another 1-2 cups sugar on top of the orange peels.
5. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, giving the peels enough time to absorb the sugar and become completely coated.
6. I then mix the peel and sugar up and remove the peels to a baking rack set on a baking sheet (helps to catch the sugar off the peels and less messy) and let air dry for 48 hours.  mix them up occasionally so that all sides air dry.

Listen, y’all.  This is so worth what little effort it takes.  Trust me on this.   You won’t be able to stay out of these.  Great for the holidays.  And so many uses!

 

Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win the Thanksgiving giveway!