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Wholesome Dried Orange Slice Garnish for Holiday Drinks

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Learn how to make beautiful, fragrant dried orange slices at home with just oranges and an oven. This simple, budget-friendly garnish adds a wholesome touch to mulled wine, hot cider, and other holiday drinks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 medium fresh oranges (preferably organic navel oranges)
  • Optional: 2 cinnamon sticks and 2 star anise (for a spiced version)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to its lowest possible temperature, around 170°F (75°C). If your oven doesn’t go that low, 200°F (95°C) is acceptable.
  2. Wash the oranges well under warm water to remove any wax or residue.
  3. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges into even rounds, about 1/4-inch (6mm) thick.
  4. Lay the orange slices in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place another towel on top and gently press to absorb as much surface moisture as possible.
  5. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the orange slices in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. If using, scatter cinnamon sticks and star anise around the pan.
  6. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Dry for 2.5 to 4 hours, starting to check at the 2-hour mark. The slices are done when they are dry to the touch, slightly leathery, and no longer sticky in the center.
  7. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the orange slices cool completely on the pan. They will firm up slightly as they cool.
  8. Once cool, check for doneness. If any slices are still moist in the center, return them to the oven for another 30 minutes.

Notes

The biggest mistake is turning the heat up to speed things up. High heat will cook the oranges, turning them brown and bitter. Low and slow is the only way to preserve the vibrant color. For even drying, rotate the baking sheets halfway through. The slices are ready when they feel dry to the touch and are no longer sticky. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: dried orange slices, holiday garnish, homemade garnish, citrus garnish, mulled wine garnish, hot cider garnish, edible decoration, natural garnish

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/wholesome-dried-orange-slice-garnish-for-holiday-drinks/