Ah, classic orange candies — sweet, tangy, and often surprisingly simple! Here are a few old-school favorites you can make at home:

🍊 1️⃣ Orange Peel Candies (Candied Orange Peel)

Ingredients

• Peels from 2–3 large oranges

• 1 cup sugar (plus extra for coating)

• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Remove the white pith from orange peels and cut into thin strips.

2. Boil peels in water 2–3 times to reduce bitterness.

3. In a saucepan, combine sugar + water, bring to a simmer.

4. Add peels and cook 15–20 minutes until translucent.

5. Drain and roll in sugar. Let dry on a wire rack.

💡 Tip: Great for snacking or decorating chocolate desserts.

🍊 2️⃣ Old-Fashioned Orange Hard Candy

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar

• ⅔ cup water

• ½ tsp cream of tartar

• ½ tsp orange extract

• Optional: orange food coloring

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, water, and cream of tartar in a saucepan.

2. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.

3. Boil without stirring until candy reaches hard crack stage (300°F / 150°C).

4. Remove from heat, stir in orange extract and coloring.

5. Pour onto greased marble slab or silicone mat, let cool, then break into pieces.

🍊 3️⃣ Orange Fudge (Vintage Style)

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar

• ½ cup butter

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup white chocolate or evaporated milk chocolate

• 1 tsp orange extract

• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk. Boil 5–7 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate until smooth.

3. Add orange extract and zest.

4. Pour into greased pan, cool, cut into squares.

🔥 Tips for Old-Fashioned Candy

• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperatures.

• Work quickly once candy reaches desired temperature.

• Store candies in airtight containers to preserve freshness.

If you want, I can also make a single “old-fashioned orange candy platter” recipe that combines peel, fudge, and hard candy — like a retro candy assortment from the 1950s.