Kumquat Cello Recipes

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.)

GZ'S CELLO

Steps:

• Remove the peels from the citrus carefully, making sure not to include any of the pith. Place the peels in a large container and add the vodka (reserve the vodka bottle for later). Infuse until the alcohol strips the oils and color out of the peels, 12 to 24 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the simple syrup. Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
• Fill the vodka bottle with about 27 ounces of the infused vodka and 7 ounces of the simple syrup and place in the freezer. Serve ice cold in chilled small copita or shot glasses.

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.