Dried Orange Slice Ornaments DIY – How To Make Dried Oranges
It’s time for the tale of the orange slice Christmas ornament.
Oh yes, there is a tale.
Not a long one.
Not a complicated one.
But a tale nevertheless.
When my kids were still kids their Aunt Sarah (who lives downtown, downtown Chicago) would take them for the day each Christmas season to explore the city’s holiday decor.
And this city-holiday-decor-exploration always culminated with a trip to the annual Christkindlmarket in Chicago’s Daley Plaza.
At that Christkindlmarket they would always pick out an ornament (or two) courtesy of Aunt Sarah (thanks Aunt Sarah!) to bring home for our family tree.
Little Molly was typically drawn to more delicate, princess inspired ornaments.
But little Sam? Well Sam was drawn to more nontraditional Christmas-themed ornaments. Sometimes musical instrument-themed. Sometimes glass ornaments in non traditional Christmas colors.
And one year … the glass orange slice.
Now of course when they were little, I always expressed overwhelming joy at their selections as they hung them front-and-center on the tree.
But as they grew older, I … um … perhaps showed a bit of disdain for that orange slice. Suggesting it would look best on the back of the tree. 😉
Which brings us to today. With me proudly sharing my dried orange slices. And 100% enduring the ridicule of my children!
How To Make Dried Orange Slices Ornaments DIY
Preheat oven to 175 degrees.
Start by slicing your oranges 1/4″ thick. I used six small naval oranges which yielded about 40 slices total.
Lay your slices out on paper towels and dab to remove excess juices.
Line a baking tray with parchment. Add a rack on top (you can also just lay the slices directly on the parchment if you don’t have any racks). Arrange so they aren’t touching.
Back at 175 for 6 hours (yes, I said SIX hours!) turning them over every hour.
I also tried a second batch at 200 degrees for 5 hours but they turned out browner in color. I prefer the slow cooking at a lower heat to keep them more orange.
Finally, using an embroidery needle and clear jewelry cord, I created a loop so I can hang them on tree.
Much to the mocking of my now-adult children. 🙂
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Oh, how the past can come back to haunt us! 😉 They do look lovely though. I actually made dried orange slices in my air fryer this year. Using mine for cocktails.
My dehydrator works great too. They resemble stained glass.
The orange slices look really nice on your tree, and I like the way your bows look, too.
Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty.