DIY Orange Slice Ornaments

Project Materials

• Large navel oranges
• Tea towel
• Metal roasting/cooling rack
• Baking tray
• Oven
• Chef knife

• Cutting board
•Waxed thread/Twine
•Cinnamon sticks
•Rosemary sprigs
•Wooden beads

DIRECTIONS For Oranges

1. Preheat oven to the very low temperature of 250°F/120°C/100°C with fan. A low temperature will help prevent burning the fruit and allow for more consistent results.
2. Turn each whole orange onto its side and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices. By turning, you will get that classic "orange slice" cross section look. If your oranges have any seeds, remove them before baking.
3. Gently pat orange slices with a tea towel or paper towel to absorb excess juice.
4. Place oranges on a metal roasting rack on top of a baking tray. The two-layer rack and tray setup will allow the oven air to circulate underneath the oranges and prevent sticking.
5. Put slices into the oven for about three hours until the rinds have hardened and the fruit flesh has dried out. Flip your oranges every 30 minutes for a more even bake. The thinner the orange slice, the quicker they will dry out. Slices may still be slightly sticky when they are done.
6. Even though the slices are ready for immediate decorating after baking, it is recommended that you allow your slices to air dry for a couple of days. This will make them more everlasting as they continue to dry out any leftover moisture.

DIRECTIONS For Ornament Assembly

• Make a hole with a toothpick at the top of two various sized dried orange slices.
• Run a long piece of the waxed thread/twine through the orange slices. The orange slices should rest in the middle of the twine.
• Take the end of a rosemary sprig and tie both sides of the twine around the end of the rosemary sprig on top of the two orange slices.
• Take a cinnamon stick and wrap both sides of the twine tightly and multiple times around the stick and tie off with a knot.
• Run the two ends of the twine from the cinnamon stick through two wooden beads and tie off with a knot at the top.
• Enjoy your festive ornament!