Dazzling Lemon and Orange Peel Roses

Citrus peel roses are fun and easy to make. The only slightly painstaking part is removing the peel in one long piece. Work slowly and carefully and you will be rewarded with a magical adornment. Orange peel is thicker than lemon peel and holds its shape better. Lemon peel requires more gentle heating to attain a firm texture. Choose oranges and lemons that have thick skin.

With a very sharp paring knife, start by cutting a round section across the base of the fruit but not all the way through. Be sure to keep it attached to the rest of the peel. Carefully cut around the fruit to remove the peel in a single strip, taking a layer of the white pith as well. Stop before you get to the other end and use this section to cut a few small strips about 1 inch in length to use for the centers of the roses.