Kumquat Peppercorn Compote With Cows Milk Cheese Recipes

APRICOT COINS

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, place the cheese and milk. (Or use a medium-sized bowl and a wooden spoon.) Using the paddle attachment, whip the cheese (or stir it vigorously) for at least 5 minutes, or until it is very smooth and creamy. If the cheese is still crumbly, add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
• To assemble, spread about 1/8 teaspoon of cheese on each apricot. (If using California apricots, put the goat cheese on the shiny side.) Drizzle a little honey over the cheese and top with a light sprinkling of thyme. Place a walnut half on top, arrange the apricots on a platter and serve.

CANDIED WALNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium sized bowl, mix together the sugar, cayenne and salt.
• Bring a small saucepan of water to boil. Add the walnuts and blanch them for 3 minutes. Drain well and then immediately roll the walnuts in the sugar mixture until thoroughly coated. The sugar will melt slightly. Transfer the walnuts to a baking sheet or pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Watch carefully because the sugar can burn easily. Let cool completely before serving.

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.)

FENNEL, APPLE AND CELERY ROOT GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart gratin dish or other ovenproof casserole.
• Cut off the entire rough exterior of the celery roots, making sure that all brown parts are removed. You will be removing about 1/4 to 1/2-inch of the exterior of each. Next, cut each celery root in 1/2 lengthwise. Turn one 1/2 cut side down, and cut into 1/4-inch wide pieces. Repeat with the remaining celery root. Set aside.
• Cut off the fronds and the dark green parts of each fennel bulb, leaving just the bulb. Cut each bulb in half lengthwise. Cut each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
• In a vegetable steamer, combine the celery root and fennel and steam for 5 minutes. Remove from the steamer and set aside to cool slightly.
• Cut the apples into 1/4-inch-thick rings.
• Place 1/3 of the celery root on the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Overlap with 1/3 of the apple slices, and sprinkle with a little more salt but no pepper. Put 1/3 of the fennel over the apples, and once again sprinkle with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining celery root, apple, and fennel. Pour cream around the sides of the dish until the cream reaches about halfway up the dish. Sprinkle the top of the gratin with the cheese. Cover and bake for 35 minutes, or until the vegetables and apple feel tender when pierced with a fork or a skewer. Turn the oven to broil, remove the cover, and broil until the gratin is golden brown and bubbling, about 3 minutes.
• Let cool 15 minutes to allow the cream to firm up slightly and serve.