Dreamsicle Oranges

From: How To Read A French Fry

Serve this dessert with good sugar cookies

6 navel oranges
2 C water
2 C sugar
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

With a thin, sharp knife, slice off the tops and bottoms of the oranges so that the flesh shows. Stand an orange on the cutting board. Starting with the knife at the point where the white of the peel meets the orange flesh and following the curve of the orange, use a gentle downward sawing motion to slice a 1 1/2-2" wide strip of peel from the orange, cutting away all the white but leaving as much flesh as possible. Repeat until all the peel is removed. Repeat with remaining oranges, reserving the peel of 2 oranges.

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the pan and then add the bean halves. Add the reserved orange peels and boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat and let steep for 30-60 minutes.

While the syrup is cooling, carefully slice the oranges horizontally into 1/2" slices. Carefully remove any seeds.

Layer the orange slices in a large, shallow serving bowl. Pour the syrup through a strainer over the slices. Arrange the vanilla bean strips in an x on top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.