Caramelized Oranges

Directions

1. 1
   Place cold water in a heavy-based saucepan, add the sugar and bring SLOWLY to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. 2
   (The sugar must be completely dissolved before the liquid boils.) Once the sugar is boiling, DO NOT STIR.
3. 3
   Continue to boil.
4. 4
   Use a pastry-brush dipped in water to wash down any sugar crystals forming on the sides of the pan, until the sugar is a rich, dark, caramel colour.
5. 5
   Remove from heat and CAREFULLY add the warm water to the caramel WHICH WILL SPIT AND SPLUTTER!
6. 6
   Return pan to the heat and continue stirring to dissolve the caramel in the water.
7. 7
   Set aside to cool.
8. 8
   Peel all the oranges, setting the peel of one aside.
9. 9
   (Remove as much of the white pith as possible.) Place the peeled oranges in a bowl and pour over the caramel sauce, gently turning the fruit to cover each with sauce.
10. 10
    Chill well.
11. 11
    Cut the served peel into matchstick-sized pieces and cook until tender in boiling water.
12. 12
    Refresh in cold water and drain.
13. 13
    Sprinkle half the cooked zest over the oranges in the bowl and stir.
14. 14
    Serve each chilled orange with the sauce and garnish with additional zest.
15. 15
    Serves 6.