Every once in a while we’ll see kumquats at the grocery store and toss them in our shopping cart. It’s usually Mia who will spot them first and it’s no wonder…they are small and cute. But the problem with buying kumquats is that we’ll usually never go through a whole pint before they start to shrink and shrivel. One or 2 kumquats at a time is pretty much enough to satisfy and they’ll often be left forgotten in the fridge after awhile. The other day I decided to make candied kumquats. They’re sort of like sweet condiments and you can toss them in salads or on top of desserts as a garnish. Or you can do what Jenna does…and pop a one in your mouth every time you walk pass the refrigerator.
Candied Kumquats (makes about 1 cup)
1 pint kumquats
2 cups sugar
1-1/3 cups water
Slice each kumquat into 3 or 4 slices, and remove the seeds. Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the sliced kumquats and turn the heat to low. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the kumquats are translucent. Remove from the heat, transfer to a heatproof storage container, and cool in the syrup.
I was wonderin’ what that bunch of orange was in the previous post…now I know!
A bloggy friend is promoting her book by sending her candied kumquats with bottles of Prosecco to publishers. http://www.rurallyscrewed.com/5711/2011/02/14/down-home-promotion/
Sounds delicious.
They look gorgeous! I find kumquats always so fascinating, the flavour is just amazing!
Yum!… and thank-you. I have a kumquat tree outside my front door just laden with fruit at the moment, and now I know what I’m going to make with some of them.
can’t say that i’ve ever eaten a kumquat. but now i want to try.
Just came across your blog and am really enjoying it 🙂 Your posts seem so genuine, documenting the good, the bad and the ugly! lol New to the blogging world and am happy to have spotted this site – aubrey
I never know what to do with kumquats b/c they’re usually so bitter (to me, at least). Thank you for sharing this great idea, Mark.
Awesome! I bought some kumquats and had no idea what to do with them – we sliced a few into some tea…now I’ll have to candy the rest…
I didn’t even know what kumquats were until just now! looking forward to it 🙂 Thanks!
These look so lush! I doubt I’d be able to stop at one somehow ..
My husband doesn’t make candied kumquats. He’s great with insurance and college savings, but he doesn’t make candied kumquats.
Cool, I’m going to try this. I love kumquats in their natural state but I also love candied stuff (ginger).
these look adorable. i made a chocolate dessert cake tonight and these would have been the perfect accompaniment. great idea. thanks.
Information = kumquat purchase!