Hi Joan. Homemade candied peel certainly is delicious! If your finished peels are very tough, next time you may want try to make the strips a touch thicker or wider. There can be some pith left on the pieces as during the blanching that bitterness will dissipate. If the strips are too thin, that may cause them to dry out even quicker. Over time, they will harden up a bit as the pieces of zest continue to loose moisture naturally. When working with the ones you made, if you are going to incorporate them into your treats, you can try rehydrating them in some warm water for a few minutes until they soften up. Then cut into pieces and add to your batters or dough. 

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