Land awakens and blooms with life and activity before returning to
slumber.
Based on an ancient lunar
calendar Japanese year is divided in 72 microseasons, each of them offering a 'poetic journey' through the year. Today is January 5 and that means it’s the end
of winter solstice and “Wheat sprouts under snow” microseason, and beginning of minor
cold “The water dropwort flourishes” microseason, season that lasts approximately from
January 6 – 10.
Not knowing in advance that
kumquat is a seasonal fruit of “Wheat sprouts under snow” microseason, I produced few jars
of compote made with this smallest of the citrus fruits. What I love the most
about kumquat is the skin, edible, golden, sweet-tasting skin. Like any other fruit it’s
not possible to keep it fresh for a longer time and making compote is a
way of preserving it.
Recipe for this light sweet
delight is adopted from Diana Yen, food stylist and caterer from Brooklyn and
can be found on page 88 of The Kinfolk Table, book of recipes for small
gatherings.
Kumquat Compote
200g sugar
240ml water
455g kumquats, well washed, halved or quartered, and seeded
2 star anise pods
2 cardamom pods
about 1.28 cm slices of fresh ginger
In a heavy saucepan stir together water and sugar and brig the mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add kumquats and spices (star anise, ginger and cardamom) and let simmer for about 30 minutes on medium heat or until mixture is thickened and jamlike. Place the compote to one big jar or few small jars (240ml) with fitting lids and store in cold dark place.
My New Year was simple and days
that followed were dusted with light snow. The remains of white cover balance these
shorter days, few hours of sunlight. I am lucky to have few days off and fortune
to spent hours in kitchen.
With this easy to make golden jars filled with slightly acidic and bittersweet citrus flesh be ready to celebrate passed days with just simple click of the lid. Well
stored is always ready for any kind of celebration.
Eat well and be happy in your lives!
Happy New Year!
