Aranciata

The Aranciata, which should not be confused with the well Known drink, is an ancient dessert that has Arab origins and is prepared  in the area of Modica for the Christmas holidays.
These are small orange zest sands candied in honey with nuts and almonds and arranged to form a small basket.
For the known digestive properties, as well as aromatic, of oranges, this dessert was served, precisely, at the  end of the abundant christmas meal to facilitate digestion.

Despite the simplicity of the preparation and the ingredients, we assure you that this dessert will d be sure a worthy closure of your Christmas lunches and will leave the palates of all your guests happy.

There are several variants of this preparation that replace oranges with other citrus fruits that are equally widespread on the Island, such as cedars, lemons, mandarins and clementines.

First, peel the oranges, removing the peels in slices, which you will place in a pot with plenty of water and salt.

When the water has started to boil and the zest has been placed, drain it, leave it to cool and finally place it in a container with cold water.

Let them rest for 72 hours, but take care to change the water at least twice a day.

After soaking, drain and let them dry well. When they are dry, cut them into strips, not too thin.

Now start chopping not too small walnuts and almonds.

Take a quantity of sugar equal to the weight of the peel and place it in a pot with high sides, add honey and cinnamon. Melt the mixture over a low flame and mix until the aspect is that of a golden caramel.

At this point, dip the zest and cook over low heat, stirring the dough.

Slowly add the dried fruit, then remove the dough, place it on greased parchment paper (preferably almond oil) and give it the shape of a basket.

Let everything cool.

The dessert can be prepared a little in advance, thus recovering precious time to dedicate yourself to the other delicacies you will bring to the table during the holidays.

We advise you to use all quality products for an optimal preparation result and to accompany this dessert with good sweet island wines.

Happy holidays to all !!!!

Doses for 4 people:

- 8 oranges

- 2 tablespoons of honey (we recommend using orange honey, but with a liquid consistency)

- sugar (the quantity must be equivalent to that of orange peel)

- 4 teaspoons of cinnamon

- 2 tablespoons almonds (preferably peeled)

- 2 tablespoons of walnuts (preferably peeled)