Candied Kumquats

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Ingredients:

1 lb. kumquats

2 cups sugar

water

Optional Spices:

1 cinnamon stick

1 star anise pod

2 whole cloves

Preparation:

Using a sharp knife, cut kumquats in half and with a melon baller, scrape seeds and fruit out of skin.

Fill saucepan with water and bring to a boil.  Add the kumquats and blanch for 1 minute.  Remove the kumquats and drain.  Repeat this process two more times.

Refill the pan with 2 cups of water, sugar, and spices (if using).  Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  Add the kumquats and reduce heat to low.  Keep the kumquats evenly covered in syrup.  Simmer until the peel is translucent, about 45 minutes.

Remove from heat, cover saucepan with a cloth, and let the kumquats steep for 8 hours or overnight.

At this point, you can dry the kumquats into a candy or just store them in syrup.  You may also can them in jars for longer storage.

Dried: Drain kumquats from the syrup and place on a baking sheet barely sprayed with cooking spray and wiped with a paper towel.  Dry the fruit in a 200 to 250 degree oven for 2 hours.  Let cool 10 or 15 minutes then dip each piece in granulated sugar and keep in an air tight container.