I like a simpler way of life and this world that I live in feels a little too fast paced for me. Several years ago the way I viewed the holidays changed and I have strived to create a much more cozy feeling for the season. One that is wrapped in traditions and celebration. So I challenged the children and myself this year to a homemade holiday and one of the first things that we learned to do together was dry oranges.
How to Dry Orange Slices
I began to think about an old fashioned holiday and how generations before me would have celebrated the holidays without running to the store for the latest trend in home decor. They simply would have had to use what they could gather from nature, grow themselves or pick up at the general store.
Supplies:
Oranges
Metal Cooling Rack
Knife
Cutting Board
1. Begin by slicing your oranges in a thin strip on a cutting board and laying them out on a metal cooling rack. It is best to bake them on a metal cooling rack so that the oranges can dry evenly on the top and bottom.
2. Turn your oven to a low setting. For me that was 175 degrees and then bake them for 4 to 5 hours. It took nearly 4 hours for mine to dry and I flipped them every 30 minutes. After the three I hours I turned off the oven and allowed them to sit until the oven was cool.
3. Remove from oven and use to create a garland or even hang them the Christmas tree for a natural Christmas decoration.
This looks really fun! I’m going to have to try that…I’ve pinned it and hope to get some time in the next few weeks.
I hope that you do find the time to make these! I will be sharing more ideas on how to use them through the season.
I love this!! Most of my kids life we have been very poor college students, and have always done a simple homemade Christmas, and we love it!! My husband and i have decided that we are going to keep it that way no matter our financial situation. We give simple homemade gifts, and really try to focus making memories! Iām so exited to make these with my kids this year!! Thanks for the great ideas!
Your so welcome. This is fun to do with children and they enjoy knowing that they had a huge help in decorating the home for Christmas. I would love for you to share if you do make them. I have a group on Facebook called Farmhouse Gatherings where members can share photos.
Every year we make cinnamon dough ornaments and salt dough ornaments. I just put a batch of oranges in the oven. I’ve never done this, but have wanted to for a while. Thanks, Sarah for the inspiration.
What a lovely idea!! Thank you š I’ve got one question: Is it 175 degree Celcius?
Hugs from Germany, Sibylle