Crystalized Orange Peel

Wash the oranges well and peel them, leaving the white pith behind

Cut the oranges into strips about 1 cm x 5 cm (3 inches or so)

Place 6 cups of water in a pot and cook the orange peels for 10 minutes, uncovered

Drain and rinse the peels well with cold water

Repeat the process, draining well the peels and setting them aside

In the same pot, mix 1 3/4 cups of water with 2 cups of sugar

Let it simmer for 1 minute

Add the orange peels, drained well, and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, until almost all the syrup is absorbed

Stir occasionally so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot

Drain and let them sit for about 10 minutes in a colander

Sprinkle the peels with 1/3 cup of sugar and stir well

Spread the peels out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Let them sit overnight or until they become dry

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and dip the orange peel tips (about 1 cm) into it

Let them sit in a dry, cool place until they're well dried

Place them in an airtight container