Kumquat Cello Food

KUMQUAT LIMONCELLO

Steps:

• Wash the kumquats well under hot water. Slice each in half and remove any seeds with the tip of a paring knife.
• In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water to a full boil, then add the kumquats and sugar. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat until the kumquats begin to look semi-translucent and the mixture is the consistency of maple syrup, about 15 minutes.
• Divide the candied kumquats among four 18-ounce wide-mouthed jars. Divide the grain alcohol among them to fill. Refrigerate for at least 2 weeks, but ideally 1 month. (The longer the liqueur ages, the better it will taste.)

PINEAPPLE INFUSED AFTER DINNER DRINK (PINEAPPLE-CELLO)

Steps:

• Remove top from pineapple and discard. Remove bottom and cut into chunks to fit into jar. Cut skin off pineapple in strips narrow enough to fit in jar. Core pineapple and reserve core. Save the pineapple for dessert and put the scraps into the jar. Quarter the lemon and add to jar, along with the knob of ginger. Cover with the alcohol and screw lid tightly. Put the jar somewhere cool and dark and let it set for at least 2 weeks, the longer the better. When you are ready, pour the contents through a cheesecloth lined strainer and discard the scraps, although the ginger is still good for another batch or for cooking, like pickled ginger. Combine sugar and water and bring to a boil for 5 or so minutes. Let syrup cool, add to alcohol, put in jar and store in freezer til ready to serve. Tastes like pineapple KoolAid, you'll never know it's alcohol til it hits home, so to speak. Absolutely a pineapple-lovers dram.

MAGGIE'S LETHAL KUMQUAT LIQUEUR

Steps:

• Put the pricked kumquats, sugar and brandy in a jar that can be tightly sealed (should hold at least a litre). Store jar away from sunlight.
• Every day for the next 14 days, turn the jar over and back to distribute the sugar. You don't need to shake the jar.
• After the 14 days are up, keep turning the jar over and back at least once a week until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• When the sugar has dissolved, use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently remove the kumquats. Leave the liqueur to age in the jar.
• Dip these boozy kumquats in melted chocolate for a delicious treat with after-dinner coffee. Store in the freezer.
• Six months later, the liqueur is ready to be bottled and enjoyed. Maggie saves interesting-looking smaller bottles to use for gifts.
• Note: You can bottle the liqueur at three months (to give as a gift), but tell the recipient it is worth waiting the extra three months before tasting. The well-aged liqueur is thicker, sweeter and more syrupy.