One of my most favorite things to do at Christmas is to dry orange slices for my kitchen tree. It's like a stress-free day to recoup from the craziness of the season. The aroma from my oven is like an incense, evoking memories of a simpler time. Of all the trees in our house, and I
do love them all, there is something special about my Kitchen Tree. It's loaded with all things natural, homemade ... whole. I load the limbs with dried orange and apple slices studded with cloves and usually tied with raffia. I always make very plain gingerbread men and sometimes gingerbread stars tied with satin or grosgrain ribbon and trim the tree with cranberries. Sometimes I even tie individual cinnamon sticks for extra sensory excitement.
Drying oranges is one of the simplest tasks, perfect for a wrapping day or a Christmas card day ... or any stay-at-home day.
Dried Orange SlicesPreheat oven to 200 degrees. 2 large naval oranges, sliced into 1/4' slices
handful of whole cloves
MethodLay slices of oranges on paper towels and blot as much juice from the oranges as possible. Place several clove studs in each orange slice. Place orange slices on baking sheet, not touching, and bake in preheated oven for 4 - 6 hours, turning periodically so that they can dry on both sides.
Thread ribbon, raffia or other medium through slices after they've been dried and use as ornaments.
Other ideas for dried oranges:
