Swan Song

At Chico's rain-washed farmer's market on Saturday, I was on a mission: I would find strawberries. Despite the problematic weather, there would have to be some, right? I've been very patient, but it is mid-April, after all.

And there it was- that flash of red in a sea of leeks, mandarins, and artisanal breads. A single table, mobbed by cooing market-goers chattering excitedly. "I'm going to use them in a pie!" I heard one woman report to another. "Just in time for Easter" her friend purred back.  Navigating the crowd, I sidled up to the baskets, stuck my nose in, and inhaled deeply. Nothing. Drat! How much longer, Lord?!

Meanwhile, I had spotted some brave lil' kumquats, pushing their season. I popped one in my mouth and it was...lovely. Since they're going away for a long, long time, I bought a pound.

See ya later, strawberries. Better luck next time.

.

Candied Kumquats

1/2  lb kumquats, washed, sliced into thin pinwheels, seeds popped out with knife tip

2 c sugar

1 c water

Bring sugar and water to a boil over medium high heat.  Add the kumquats and simmer for a minute or two, stirring, until the kumquats are translucent. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Refrigerated and stored in their syrup, they'll keep for several weeks.

Fold into softened vanilla ice cream, or top some coconut sorbet with a few pinwheel and some syrup. The kumquat syrup is also great for making cocktails or for sweetening a glass of lemonade.

Comments

[Ivonne]

Maura,

This is what I call serendipity. I was just sitting here (yes I think about food at work ...) wondering where I could find a recipe for candied kumquats.

Clearly the Blog Gods listened to my prayers.

Thank you so much. And be strong ... those strawberries will be there soon!

[Tanna]

Linked to your great site from a comment you left on Ivonne's. Really like the look of your cornmeal shortbread; will have to try that one. Thanks

[Mitzy]

there's nothing better that a sweet juicy strawberry.
and
you make me want to try a candied Kumquat.

[shuna fish lydon]

Candied kumqats are to sweets what pinwheel pasta is to savoury.

They are one of my all time favourite garnishes on plated desserts!

[patty]

Never haad Kumquat before either and now I'm very curious.

[alan in China]

just got back from my New year's Day morning market here and have bought a bag of kumqats. (I am really spoilt here at the moment for many kinds of citrus fruit). So I was sitting here thinking what to do with them, after having popped one in my mouth and found that they are a little bitter! So tapped into google.com and behold - your web page.
Will try a little cookery this afternoon
Thanks!

[Luisa]

Ooh, lovely. Thanks for the simple recipe. Got back from LA with a bag of kumquats last weekend - have been eating them plain all week, but now I think I'll candy the rest (they're getting a bit...old).