Glazed Citrus Zest Garnish
Elevate your desserts with this delightful recipe for Glazed Citrus Zest, adapted from Julia Child’s classic. Perfect as a charming decoration for sherbets, puddings, and various fruit desserts, these candied citrus peels add a burst of vibrant flavor and a beautiful touch to your culinary creations. Made from the zests of ripe lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, this treat is not only visually appealing but also a deliciously sweet addition to your favorite desserts. After preparing, simply store the zest in a covered jar in the refrigerator, where it will maintain its freshness for weeks. Delight your friends and family with this elegant garnish that captures the essence of citrus sunshine!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemons
4 large (Zest removed and cut into julienne strips)
Oranges
3 (Zest removed and cut into julienne strips)
Grapefruits
2 (Zest removed and cut into julienne strips)
Water
1 quart (Used for simmering the zests)
Sugar
1 cup (Measured for syrup preparation)
Additional Water
1/3 cup (Used for dissolving the sugar)
Instructions
1
Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the zest from the lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. Cut the zest into julienne strips, approximately 1 1/2 inches long and less than 1/8 inch wide.
2
In a large saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a simmer. Add the citrus zests and let simmer for 6 minutes. Once done, drain the zests and rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the zests aside.
3
In the same saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves.
4
Cover the saucepan tightly and allow the syrup to boil for 1-2 minutes. To test the syrup, dip a metal spoon into the syrup; it should form a thread when the last drops fall.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the reserved citrus zests. Let the mixture steep for at least 1 hour to absorb the sweet syrup.
6
Once completed, you can use the citrus zest immediately for your 'Fresh Lemon Sherbet' recipe, or transfer it to a clean, covered jar and refrigerate it for weeks.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glazed Citrus Zest Garnish?
It is a decorative and flavorful candied citrus peel garnish adapted from a Julia Child classic, perfect for desserts like sherbets and puddings.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from the culinary techniques of Julia Child.
Which citrus fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses the zests of 4 large lemons, 3 oranges, and 2 grapefruits.
How should the citrus zest be removed from the fruit?
Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the zest, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
What are the recommended dimensions for the julienne strips?
The strips should be approximately 1 1/2 inches long and less than 1/8 inch wide.
How long do you simmer the citrus zests?
The citrus zests should simmer in 1 quart of water for 6 minutes.
What is the purpose of rinsing the zests in cold water?
Rinsing the zests in cold water after simmering stops the cooking process.
How much sugar is required for the syrup?
The syrup requires 1 cup of sugar.
What ratio of water to sugar is used for the syrup?
The syrup uses 1/3 cup of water mixed with 1 cup of sugar.
How long should the syrup boil while covered?
The syrup should boil tightly covered for 1 to 2 minutes.
How can you tell if the syrup has reached the correct consistency?
When you dip a metal spoon into the syrup, it should form a thread as the last drops fall.
When should the zests be added to the syrup?
The zests should be stirred into the syrup after the saucepan has been removed from the heat.
How long must the zests steep in the syrup?
The mixture needs to steep for at least 1 hour to allow the zests to fully absorb the sweet syrup.
Can the glazed zest be used immediately?
Yes, once the steeping process is complete, the zest can be used immediately.
How should I store any leftover glazed citrus zest?
Store the zest in a clean, covered jar and keep it in the refrigerator.
How long will the garnish stay fresh in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in a covered jar, it will maintain its freshness for several weeks.
What types of desserts pair well with this garnish?
It is an ideal decoration for sherbets, puddings, and various fruit-based desserts.
Is this garnish suitable for specific sherbet recipes?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a great addition to a Fresh Lemon Sherbet recipe.
What is the flavor profile of this garnish?
It provides a burst of vibrant citrus flavor combined with a delicious sweetness from the sugar glaze.
How many ingredients are in the Glazed Citrus Zest Garnish?
There are 6 ingredients: lemons, oranges, grapefruits, water, sugar, and additional water for the syrup.
Why is it important to avoid the white pith of the fruit?
The white pith is bitter and would negatively impact the sweet flavor of the candied garnish.
Does the recipe require stirring the sugar?
Yes, you should stir the sugar and water continuously over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves.
Can I make this with only one type of fruit?
While the recipe calls for a mix of lemon, orange, and grapefruit, you could theoretically use a single variety following the same proportions.
What is the preparation for the sugar in this recipe?
The sugar is measured (1 cup) and dissolved in water to create a syrup for glazing the zests.
What is the total number of oranges used?
The recipe requires 3 oranges.
How much grapefruit is needed?
The recipe calls for the zest from 2 grapefruits.
Is the garnish considered a candy?
Yes, it is categorized as a candied peel or candy due to the sugar glazing process.
Can I use the leftover boiling water?
The recipe instructions suggest draining the zests after simmering, so the quart of water is discarded.
What is the final texture of the zest?
The zest becomes glazed and sweet after steeping in the concentrated sugar syrup.
Is this a homemade edible decoration?
Yes, it is a homemade edible garnish used to enhance the visual appeal and flavor of desserts.