Be neighborly, enjoy Ruby Red grapefruit

Many zester tools have a larger blade opening for making strips. These strips make great candied peel for edible garnishing. Once candied, citrus segments or strips can be partially dipped in chocolate.

Strips or sections of orange or lemon peel

Cut strips or segments of citrus fruit. Place in pan of cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Let boil 30 seconds. Drain through colander. Repeat 3 times then return to a pot with about 8 cups of water and 1½ cups of sugar.

Bring peels to a boil then let simmer gently uncovered for about 1½ hours. The skins should be almost transparent and liquid like syrup will coat the peels. Transfer them to a rimmed baking sheet covered generously with sugar. Roll the peels around in the sugar to coat. Transfer them to another baking sheet to dry and harden for at least 1 hour.

Optional chocolate technique: Dip half of each peel in melted bittersweet chocolate (About 4 ounces melted in a double boiler with 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil.) Allow excess chocolate to drip off each piece then arrange on wax paper or oiled baking sheet. Let them set in refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Serve or store in refrigerator until ready to gift or garnish.

Cooking notes: Strips and sections of peel can include some of the white cottony part just underneath the outer flesh. Store strips and segments of peeling to be candied in a sealed jar or plastic bag for a few days in the refrigerator until ready for the sugaring technique.

This one is great on most any salads with citrus. My favorite is grapefruit, shrimp or chicken with avocado slices arranged over a bed of lettuce.

(Makes 4 servings)

2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice

1 tablespoon raspberry or red wine vinegar

1 or 2 teaspoons honey depending on sweetness of any fruit used in salad

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ cup grape seed or olive oil

Whisk all ingredients together until mixture thickens and emulsifies. Drizzle over your favorite lettuce, fruit or vegetable and meat combination.

Cooking note: Add a dash of hot sauce if you like or crushed pink peppercorns in place of cumin.