Chocolate Covered Orange & Citrus Peels

Orangettes. It is the classic French name for candied orange peel dipped in chocolate, an old-world confection that has stayed in style for over a century. Fames Chocolates makes them in Brooklyn as part of its citrus line, dairy-free and Kosher Pareve like everything else.

Straight from the box, most naturally alongside coffee or tea after dinner. They also dress up a dessert platter, where the long curved shape breaks up rows of squares and truffles. A small dish of peels next to the espresso is a complete presentation.

People with a memory for it: grandparents who knew proper candy shops, European relatives, dark chocolate loyalists, and anyone bored of standard assortments. Nobody buys orangettes by accident, and recipients recognize that, which is what makes them land as a considered gift.

Yes, made without dairy like the rest of the Fames Chocolates line, and Kosher Pareve as well. Fruit and dark chocolate with no milk in the way is much of the appeal, and it means the peels serve after any meal in a kosher home.

Less than people expect. The peel is candied first, which is a slow cook in sugar that mellows the sharpness, and the chocolate coating rounds out what's left. What remains is the bright citrus character, not raw rind. If the recipient likes dark chocolate, the peels usually land well.