There's something very comforting about the traditions and rituals that we weave into our seasons. I make these dried orange slices around Christmas time - they're so easy to make; the smell while they bake is incredible and I love the beautiful burnished colours and patterns.
Use them to create homemade garlands, pop one in your favourite drink or use two or three to decorate a seasonal pudding or dessert. They last for ages if stored in an airtight container. I've used mainly orange slices in this picture, along with a few lemon slices, but you can also use limes or grapefruit - whichever citrus fruit you have to spare.
Method
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Preheat your oven to 100C.
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Line your baking trays with greaseproof paper.
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Slice the oranges into thin slices (between 6 and 10mm) - try and slice them all to the same thickness.
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Lay the slices on the baking sheets without touching each other, then bake for about 3 hours, turning them over regularly. Thinner slices will take less time whilst thicker slices may take an hour or so more. Check on them from time to time.
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When they're ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool and air dry on a cooling rack. They should still be golden orange in colour and be fairly translucent.
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Once completely cooled, store in an airtight container, or just deck your house with them!