Sparkling Orange Wheels
This recipe creates elegant and festive sparkling orange wheels, perfect as a vibrant garnish or a simple, refreshing treat. Thinly sliced oranges are lightly coated with corn syrup and then adorned with sparkling sugar, offering a beautiful visual appeal and a delightful sweet-tart crunch. An easy and impressive addition to any table.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Sharp Knife for thin, even slices
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Small Shallow Dish for sparkling sugar
- 1 Serving Platter
Ingredients
Main
- 1 small orange
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- Sparkling sugar
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and dry the small orange.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the orange into very thin, uniform rounds, approximately 1/8-inch thick. Remove any seeds.
- Pour the light corn syrup into a small bowl.
- Spread the sparkling sugar evenly on a shallow plate or dish.
- One by one, lightly brush both sides of each orange slice with a thin, even layer of corn syrup using a pastry brush.
- Immediately place each corn syrup-coated orange slice onto the plate with sparkling sugar. Gently press and turn to ensure both sides are completely covered with the sugar.
- Carefully lift the sugar-coated orange wheels and gently shake off any excess sugar.
- Arrange the finished sparkling orange wheels on a serving platter or use them immediately as a garnish for desserts, cocktails, or a charcuterie board.
- For best results, serve shortly after preparation to maintain their crisp, sparkling texture.
- If preparing slightly ahead, store loosely covered at room temperature for a short period, avoiding refrigeration which can make them sticky.
Notes
For perfectly translucent and uniform slices, chill the orange briefly before slicing. Use a very sharp knife to achieve paper-thin cuts, which enhances both appearance and texture. Apply corn syrup sparingly and evenly; too much will make the orange wheels sticky and overly sweet, while too little won't adhere the sparkling sugar effectively. The sparkling sugar provides not just sparkle but also a delightful crunch. For an elevated touch, consider infusing the corn syrup with a tiny hint of orange zest or a drop of orange blossom water before brushing. These are best served fresh to maintain their vibrant sparkle and crisp texture; prolonged exposure to air can cause the sugar to weep or become less crystalline.