Chocolate Babka with Caramelized Oranges

~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen

Adapted from an Instructional Video on YouTube 

2 oranges

1 cup (200g) sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cup (150 ml) water

Bring a saucepan of water to boil.  Cut oranges into slices about 1/4 inch thick place them in a bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let the slices sit in the hot water for 2-3 minutes.

Remove slices from the water and arrange orange slices on a paper towel and pat dry. Place slices into a large saucepan or frying pan large enough to fit the orange slices.

Add the sugar, vanilla extract and water to a small saucepan and cook until the sugar dissolves. Pour the syrup into the saucepan with the orange slices and cook on medium heat until the white part of the orange peel is transparent and much of the syrup evaporates.

Preheat oven to 210°F/100°С.  Remove orange slices and spread them out a baking sheet lined with foil, parchment paper or silicone liner. 

Dry the orange slices in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes.

After slices are cool, place them in a container in single layers separated by wax paper or parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use.