Candied Orange Peel

Directions

1. 1
   Slice the orange into quarters. Use a large spoon to scoop out the fruit but leave as much of the white pith attached to the peel as possible. Slice the peel into thin slices.
2. 2
   Place the orange peels in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain and repeat this process 2 more times using fresh water each time (do not skip this step because it removes the bitterness from the peel).
3. 3
   Clean the saucepan with soap and water. Add the water, sugar, and vanilla bean if using. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Reduce to a simmer and add the orange peels. Simmer on very low heat, stirring approximately every 25 minutes, until the peel becomes slightly translucent, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. 4
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and a cooling rack. Using tongs, remove the orange peels from the syrup, shake off any excess liquid and move to the rack to finish draining. Allow the candied orange peels to dry overnight.
5. 5
   Toss with sugar before serving.