Candied orange slices: Not just a garnish anymore!

You often find these decorating orange-accented desserts, but they’re really delicious on their own. And when you dip them in melted bittersweet chocolate, they become one of the world’s most perfect foods. Mmmm…

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recipe after the jump

Candied Oranges adapted from Chocolate Shavings

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
2 navel oranges, sliced crosswise 1/4-inch thick

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Heat water and sugar in a pan until the mixture starts to boil, then reduce heat so the mixture gently simmers. Put orange slices into the pan and let them simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, shaking each slice to remove any excess syrup and place on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

Bake for about 40 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool.

Refrigerate the leftover syrup for other uses.