Rinse the oranges and pat dry.
Using a fruit / vegetable peeler, peel strips of the orange skin.
Using kitchen scissors cut the orange skin into strips about ¼″ wide.
In a medium saucepan add the water and orange peels, over high heat and bring to a boil.
Once the water and oranges begin to boil, remove it from the stove and drain the water from the peels.
Add cold water to the orange peels and stir to cool off the orange peels.
Now place the saucepan back on the stove and bring it to a boil once again.
Repeat these steps 4 times.
Once done, drain the water again and place the orange peels in a medium sized bowl.
Set to the side.
In the same saucepan, whisk together the sugar and 1 ¼ cups of water.
Place the saucepan on the stove over high heat to bring to a simmer.
Cook the sugar mixture for 8-9 minutes.
Add the orange peel to the sugar mixture and cook over low to medium heat for 45 minutes.
Do not over stir it will cause crystallization.
In a medium sized bowl add ½ cup of sugar.
Using a slotted spoon remove the orange peels and place in the small bowl with the sugar, toss to coat.
Transfer the orange peels to a wire rack to dry.
Set the syrup to the side to cool.
Once the syrup is cooled pour the mixture into a small bowl and cover with a lid.
Once the orange peels are dried, chop them into small bits.
Set to the side.