Alton Brown’s Candied Orange Peel Recipe Is a Simple Way to Cut Down on Food Waste

Alton Brown is one of the most popular Food Network stars, a TV personality and host who has had a hand in many successful projects over the years. Brown’s passion for the culinary arts is infectious, and fans love his jovial personality and willingness to share his favorite celebrity recipes and kitchen shortcuts. Some of his most popular dishes include only a handful of ingredients. One such recipe is Alton Brown’s candied orange peel, which is not only delicious but also environmentally friendly. 

Alton Brown likes to share simple kitchen shortcuts

Brown studied film in college, but he always maintained a passion for cooking. During the early years of his career, Brown worked as a cinematographer for several music videos and was even the photography director for the music video for R.E.M.’s “The One I Love.” Brown eventually decided to pursue his passion for cooking, and after becoming dissatisfied with the quality of cooking shows on TV, he launched his program, Good Eats, in 1999.

Brown’s show was a hit with viewers right away. Fans gravitated to the approachable way Brown presented cooking. Rather than walk through recipes step by step, he offered shortcuts and methods to take dishes to the next level without the time commitment.

Eventually, Brown lent his services as a host or judge to other Food Network programs. And these days, he’s one of the best-loved celebrity chefs. 

How can you make Alton Brown’s candied orange peel?

Brown has an affinity for desserts and other sweets. Over the years, he has shared many dessert recipes on his website, Alton Brown. One of the easiest is candied orange peel. The recipe calls for only three ingredients: ripe oranges, sugar, and water.

To make candied orange peel, remove the rind from the oranges and lay it on a cutting board, making sure to cut off the white pith portion from the inside of the peel. Then simmer the peel in a couple of cups of water for about 15 minutes. Drain the water, place the peel back in the pan, and add the sugar and two cups of water. Bring everything to a boil while occasionally stirring until you see all the sugar has dissolved.

After the mixture reaches a boil, lower the heat to a simmer. Maintain that for about an hour until most of the water has evaporated and the mixture is syrupy and thick. When the syrup’s temperature reaches 250 degrees, remove it, and place the orange peels on a cooling rack. After the peels have cooled, carefully shake off any excess sugar and store them in a sealed glass jar.

Alton Brown’s orange peels are not only a simple sweet treat for any occasion, but they’re also environmentally friendly because fewer parts of the orange go to waste.

What other dessert recipes has the celebrity chef shared?

Alton Brown’s candied orange peel is far from the only simple dessert recipe the chef has shared. His recipe for gooey fudge brownies calls for dessert lovers to play with the oven temperature as the brownies are cooking, creating a crisp crust and fudgy center.

And those who love making sweets for breakfast will enjoy Brown’s recipe for pancake mix, which includes only five simple ingredients. You can then use the batter to create customized pancakes, topped with anything from fresh fruit to chocolate chips and whipped cream.