Thursday, May 27, 2010

Kumquat Marmalade and Ricotta Crostini



















Kumquats are a curious little fruit. Almost like an oversized orange for a Barbie doll. They are often eaten raw and have a sweet rind and a juicy center which is sour and salty. These little gems are considered ripe when they reach a yellowish-orange color and just a slight hint of green. It is native to south Asian and the Asia Pacific and symbolizes good luck in China and other Asian countries. Often used to make kumquat preserves, marmalade or jelly, but also can be sliced and added to salads. Great to garnish a cocktail or made into a liqueur.

I found pints of these tiny treasures at Trader Joe’s and have always wanted to make kumquat marmalade and 2010 is the year. Typically a couple times a month I will whip up a batch of scones and enjoy orange marmalade with them. My first batch of marmalade is ready for scones this weekend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




In the meantime, I wanted to try something different and put a slight twist on how I used the kumquat marmalade. I toasted a thin slice of sourdough baguette, let cool and spread with ricotta cheese and then a spoonful of the handmade kumquat marmalade. The flavor combination was out of this world – the crunch of baguette, creaminess of the ricotta and sweet/sour combination of the kumquat marmalade was perfect.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kumquat Marmalade

1 lb. 3 oz. Kumquats
1 Lemon, zest and juice
1 ½ C. Sugar
1 ½ C. Water

Cut the kumquats in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then use a sharp chef’s knife and cut into thin slices. Add the prepared kumquats to a heavy non-reactive pot, lemon juice and zest along with the water. Over the pan, and simmer for 25 minutes until the fruit is soft and tender.

Add the sugar, and stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn the heat up and cook at a full rolling boil for 5 minutes and test for a set. When the marmalade has reached the setting point, ladle into hot sterilized jars, seal and label.

10 comments:

  1. Kumquats, love cooking with these babies! Sounds yummy!

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  2. I LOVE kumquats and this is a brilliant idea! Looks good! thanks for sharing :)

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  3. That Marmalade looks so good! I've been wanting to try making my own jam/ marmalade at home and haven't gotten down to doing so... This has really inspired me!

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  4. i'm so jealous! not only because this looks delicious, but friday last week they had kumquats at the store, and when i went back monday they were gone! but this has motivated me to be more assertive and get them asap! looks amazing!

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  5. Are the kumquats tart? The marmalade sounds tasty and a great idea...could sandwich them between tea biscuits too!

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  6. Cristina - they are a bit tart but in a marmalade with the lemon and sugar the balance is perfect. I have them grilled and tossed into a salad before too and they are delicious! Hope you enjoy them!

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  7. You always have the most delicious-looking appetizers. I couldn't resist this one. I've been wanting to make my own marmalade and yours seems very do-able. I'll have to try this. Bookmarked!

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  8. I have a kumquat tree sitting in my back garden...it's on loan from my green thumb flower gardener. I've made orange marmalade and strawberry jam (yearly) but I'm going to try this. Love all your recipes Lisa!

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  9. yummm! I think I will make Kumquat marmalade this year :))

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  10. This sounds AWESOME. Such a creative idea to enjoy it with the ricotta, I can almost taste it in my mouth right now!

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