Drying Orange Slices
Choose fruit that is in good condition and not too ripe. Slice the oranges as thin as you possibly can, and as straight, if you cant cut straight, and I can't, then jsut do the best you can and tell everyone you were going for a more rustic and organic look.
Place the sliced oranges between towels and remove as much moisture as possible by patting gently.
Place the orange slices in a single layer, I placed them on the oven rack but I would suggest using baking racks on a cookie sheet.
Dry in a 150 degree oven for approximately 3 or 4 hours. Check every 1/2 hour.
If the fruit appears to be turning brown the oven is too hot. Shut off for 15 minutes and start again. Turn fruit over if the edges begin to curl. When dry the fruit slices should be pliable.
I threaded ribbon through the orange slices and added a bundle of cinnamon sticks to create tree decorations with H. He almost made one before wandering off to do something more entertaining than making Christmas decorations with me. The dried oranges can be added to potpourri, wreaths, garland, ornaments, and gift tags.
