Kumquats in Brandy Syrup

So I'm still on a kumquat jag. Last month I put up a jar of kumquats in brandy syrup and then promptly forgot about them until Jack and I were setting out the components for one of our wine and cheese evenings. I often spoon out a bit of homemade marmalade to compliment the cheese and was rooting around in the refrigerator for it when I spied the jar of kumquats tucked way in back. Yay! They were a perfect boozy counterpoint to the cheeses.

They're also nice in small pretty glasses with a little of their syrup, or spooned over good vanilla ice cream. I've found that they do need to be gently warmed once they've been stored in the refrigerator-- this brings the flavor out and plumps them back up.

Kumquats in Brandy Syrup
Makes three small jars

2 pints kumquats
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
3 - 5 whole cloves
Brandy

Prick each kumquat a couple of times with a pin.

Put the sugar into a pan with the water, the cinnamon stick and cloves. Stir over a medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and then bring it up to the boil.

Add the kumquats and simmer until tender. Start checking after 15 minutes taking out kumquats as they are ready.

Put them straight into sterilized jars, fitting them in as snugly as you can without squashing them. Pour in enough brandy to fill about two thirds full. Remove the cinnamon stick from the pan and tuck it down decoratively into one of the jars (you can add fresh cinnamon sticks to the other jars for effect).

Top up the jars with the syrup making sure the kumquats are covered and add more brandy if necessary.
Seal and leave in a cool dark place for at least two weeks. Refrigerate once you've opened them.

Comments

[Aran]

I love candied kumquats in any kind of syrup but espcially if that syrup is spiced up!

[michelle @ TNS]

adorable little fruits AND booze? i'm all in!

[giz]

Another ingredient that I've never used and always been so curious about.

[Adele]

Oooh, more kumquat experiments!

Those look delicious. :)

[Susan from Food Blogga]

I just served kumquat and dried cherry chutney with crostini and cheese the other night when I had dinner guests. I love them too, and will be trying yours soon.

[a. grace]

fact: kumquat is an unbelievably fun word to say.

[a. grace]

kumquat.

[Zenchef]

Can i meet you guys at your place before the studio feast event so i can raid your fridge?

[Cakespy]

Oooh, these kumquats look incredible. I love the ice cream option, although I bet they'd be nice incorporated into a trifle or cake too...

[Lore]

Kumquats in a syrup sound great, although in a brandy syrup they sound even better

[dhanggit]

oh ann, my hubby will love this im 100% sure!! once he sees your recipe he'll force me to make one..:-)