Kumquat Jam (Week 51, 52 New Foods) December 31 2012, 30 Comments

kumquat jam


Kumquat jam adds a simple splash of citrus to savory dishes: a burst of sunshine to start the New Year!

Like tiny bright lights sparkling on a gray winter day, kumquats brought a burst of color and fun to our family table this week. Thought to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year, these little citrus buds made a big splash with my kids. Their tart flavor is like a cross between an orange and a lemon.  

Kumquat Jam

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Yield: Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

kumquat jam ingredients


2 cups kumquats, cut into quarters
½ cup water
1 cup sugar

Directions:

1. Wash and cut the kumquats into quarters, removing the seeds.   

kumquat jam step 1


2. Bring the water and sugar to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

kumquat jam step 2


3. Add the kumquats to the sugar water and boil gently for 10 minutes. Remove and discard seeds that float to the top.

kumquat jam step 3


4. Drain the kumquats through a sieve, then return the syrup to the pot and simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes. Pour ¼ cup of the reduced syrup over the kumquats.

kumquat jam step 4


5. Cool then serve.

kumquat jam


We enjoyed our kumquat jam on cheese, bread, and savory dishes like chicken and salmon. But in the end, my kids had the most fun just eating the fruit straight from the basket. Sometimes, simple is best!

kumquats


* Have you tried kumquat jam? What is your favorite way to enjoy this playful winter fruit?

Craving more easy recipes to try? Catch up on last week’s recipe: Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce

About the author: Jennifer Tyler Lee is a mom of two children and the creator of Crunch a Color® -- the award-winning nutrition games that make healthy eating fun. Like most parents, she struggled to get her kids to eat healthy, balanced meals, so she decided to make it into a healthy eating game and she’s giving back to support non-profit kids’ nutrition programs. Winner of the Dr. Toy and Parent Tested, Parent Approved awards, Crunch a Color® has been featured by Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, Laurie David’s Family Dinner, Kiwi Magazine, Dr. Greene, and Yum Food & Fun For Kids, among many others, as a simple, fun and playful way to get kids to eat healthy and try new foods. Jennifer’s passion is making mealtime fun, easy and healthy for busy families. Her easy recipes, quick tips, and new food adventures are regularly featured at Pottery Barn Kids, Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, The Huffington Post, and on her weekly recipe blog at crunchacolor.com.