Candy is bad for you. It's delicious, sweet, and fun, but it's bad for you. We know that because people tell us all the time, and also because it's candy. So what's the solution? How can you enjoy candy without packing on the calories, ODing on sugar, or rotting your teeth? You make some scrumptious candied fruit treats, that's how.
How to make it: brighteyedbaker.com
Candied orange peels are good all on their own. I mean, I don't know who first decided that orange peels should be eaten at all, but more power to them. These make ideal little decorations or accents to your desserts, but they're surprisingly tasty all on their own, too.
How to make it: epicurious.com
These are just like candied orange peels, just with grapefruit – obvi. Using grapefruit gives you a little extra zing, though. The natural tart bitterness of the grapefruit comes through and mixes beautifully with the sweetness of the candy.
Get it here: lemon.press
Candied cherries are so sweet. I mean, they're ridiculously sweet, especially if you use maraschino cherries. They're excellent in fruit cake, though, or you can use them to top cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
How to make it: szybkoszybkowar.com
You don't have to limit yourself to just the orange peels. Use these to decorate the glasses the next time you serve cocktails!
How to make it: boysahoy.com
Once you try these, you will never want to eat grapes any other way again.
How to make it: munchinwithmunchkin.com
Pomelo is interesting. Candied, it's even more interesting – kind of bright and definitely sweet.
How to make it: munchinwithmunchkin.com
Candied ginger is beyond delicious. It's a fantastic accent or garnish, but you can also use it in any number of dessert recipes.
How to make it: americanheritagecooking.com
I like this recipe because it's serious about the sugar. Whatever, I like sugar.
How to make it: phamfatale.com
These jelly candies are ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. You're welcome.
How to make it: babble.com
So are these. Honestly, making your own fruit gummies is the greatest thing ever. You'll never buy Sour Patch Kids again.
How to make it: oliviascuisine.com
It's not yet fall, but who cares? You need to make these today.
How to make it: confuciusmag.com
Bingtanghulu is a Chinese candy treat, but that's such an understatement. It's gorgeous, sweet, tangy, tasty, a little sour, and just generally kind of magical.
How to make it: dishmaps.com
I know that pineapple is already sweet, but don't fear. When you candy it, you actually bring out a bit of the tartness.
How to make it: kathleeniscookinginmexico.wordpress.com
Candied mango, however, might send you into a sugar coma. The journey will be epic, though.
How to make it: americanheritagecooking.com
Sweet, sour, scrumptious – you will want to have these on hand all the time.
How to make it: utry.it
Ideal for the holidays!
So, what do you think? Ready to enjoy some candy with your fruit? How about some fruit with your candy?