Polar Vortexes And Candied Grapefruits

As I'm writing this post, the "Polar Vortex" (AKA the HUGE storm dumping snow here in VA) is raging on outside our window.  Maybe I was naive, but I was under the impression that the weather here would be much milder than that in Utah.  This Winter has definitely proved my assumption to be false.  However, as a result of the crazy weather I have been able to cook/bake more than usual and have a few awesome recipes for you guys to try! First up, Candied Grapefruit!

This first recipe was a little infuriating as I had to start over three times in order to get ALL of the bitterness out of the grapefruit (good thing they only require three ingredients).... But it was worth it! Not only do these look AMAZING but they are delicious as well! Here is what you will need:

Makes 36 Pieces

Ingredients:

The peel of 2 Grapefruits (I quartered mine, then peeled the skin and cut it into bite sized pieces)
1c. Granulated Sugar
2c. Water
1/2 c. Granulated Sugar

Directions:

1. Cut and peel the grapefruit (as directed above)
2. Get a large pot and put the peels in along with enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.
3.  Set on the stove over a medium/high temp. and let come to a boil then reduce to a simmer and let sit uncovered until only 1 inch of water remains (or about 1 hour).
4.  When the peels are almost ready, in another saucepan, combine the 2 cups water and 1 cup of the sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir to dissolve the sugar, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir the drained, still-warm peels into the syrup. Let stand for 6 to 8 hours at room temperature.
5. Return the pot to a low heat until the peels have absorbed most of the mixture (about 30 min).
6. Transfer peels onto waxed paper and ;et dry for 12 hours (over night).
7. In a shallow bowl, using the remaining sugar, roll the peels one at a time to coat them in the sugar and let dry for an additional 2 hours.
8. Store in an air-tight container