Sugary Orange Peel

Directions

• With a knife, score the peel from each orange into quarters. With fingers, remove peel and white pith attached. Place peel in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Drain and repeat twice.
• Meanwhile, in another saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, water and salt. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Drain peel and add to syrup. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes or until syrup is almost all absorbed, stirring occasionally. (Watch carefully to prevent scorching.) Drain any remaining syrup.
• Cool orange peel in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet for 1 hour. Cut into 1/8-1/4-in. strips. Sprinkle remaining sugar on an ungreased 15x10x1-in. pan. Sprinkle strips over sugar; toss to coat. Let stand for 8 hours or overnight, tossing occasionally.
• If desired, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Dip one end of each orange strip into chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Let stand on waxed paper until set. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.