Sugared Orange Slices

Adapted from Arabesque

These orange slices can be served with coffee or tea, or as an improvised sweet at the end of a meal, accompanied by creme fraiche or thick heavy whipped cream. They keep for weeks in the refrigerator so you fix them in advance.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds unwaxed oranges (organic oranges with thick skins, which must be unwaxed)
• 2 c. sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Wash the oranges and cut them in thin slices, removing any piTs.

Sprinkle the bottom of a large heavy-bottomed pan with a little of the sugar. Arrange some of the orange slices on top so that they overlap slightly and sprinkle generously with more sugar. Make layers of orange slices, each sprinkled with sugar and finishing with sugar.

Pour cold water over the slices so that they are only just covered. Cut a circle of foil or waxed paper and press it on top of the oranges to prevent evaporation.

Serve with the cream on top.