Opal's Kitchen /// Kumquat Marmalade

The other day, while shopping, I say these lovely little gems beckoning my name from beside the strawberries.  I bought them, with no specific plan in mind...I just couldn't pass them up.  They reminded me of summer, and I've dreamed of summer lately. 
Last night I experimented with them...

Kumquat Honey Marmalade

1 lb kumquats, washed

1/3 cup raw honey

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

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water

To Make /// cut tops of kumquats off. Slice very thin along the length of the kumquats.  The result will be a lovely little circle.  Continue until all are sliced and place in bowl.  In separate bowl, combine honey and vanilla, stir.  Microwave for about 15 seconds or until honey is pourable then pour over kumquats.  Stir well, cover and place in fridge over night.

The following day, remove the mixture from fridge and place in pan, I used my cast iron (which I love).  Add about 1/2 cup water and the fresh grated ginger.  Cook on low heat for about twenty minutes or so.  As the kumquats cook down, they release their very own natural pectin, because of this the mixture will thicken on its own.  Raise head just a little and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the kumquats are rather soft.

Remove from stove top, let stand and cool for a few hours and serve. 

Notes /// You may add more water at any time if it gels too much, it will prevent it from burning so don't hesitate.  Just be sure to add a little at a time. 

The result is a sweet/tart marriage of flavors, it would be great with toast, cookies, by itself:P Or, you can used it in a spectacular dessert which I will tell you how to make...tomorrow.

Enjoy!