kumquats -

by Twin Tastes

Citrus and Cheese: Baked Feta with Thyme-Infused Candied Kumquats

We first discovered kumquats a few years ago, and were amazed that you could just pop the tiny, elliptical bright orange fruits into your mouth, rind and all. The unconventional citrus fruits have a tart pulp on the interior and sweet pith on the exterior. The contrasting flavors tantalize your taste buds in every bite. While often a rarity in grocery stores, we recommend you keep an eye out for them around the winter months and enjoy them whole, or as a standout in any tart, sweet syrup or puree.

For a quick and stunning hors d’oeuvre, we recommend thinly slicing the kumquats, and candying them over the stove with a touch of thyme. We then spoon the vibrant compote atop a block of baked feta cheese. The creamy, pungent, salty feta melts slightly in the oven and pairs perfectly with the super sweet kumquat topping. We spread the decorative melted cheese atop toasted sliced bread with a sprinkling of pleasantly spicy pink peppercorns.

Baked Feta with Thyme-Infused Candied Kumquats

Endless Poptails: Caipirinha Popsicle

We’ve been keeping things simple, easy and familiar here with our Poptail series. But this week we are inviting a less familiar boozy guest, cachaca.

Start digging in the couch cushions and under the car seat like we did for spare change. You need this pure sugar cane rum in your life. More to the point, this is a must-try sweet and tart Poptail made easy with a limeade body, raspberry sweetness and a sour punch of kumquats.

Now for a little housekeeping. We’ve decided that since we still have a few orders to fill, we’re extending the Poptail series past what some people tell us is the end of summer. But not forever! Holla your order now or wait until next year for your Poptailing dreams to come true.

Raspberry and Kumquat Caipirinha Popsicle

Kumquat Cupcakes

Like most of us here, I’m no baker and don’t particularly enjoy the restrictions it brings. Exact measurements are not my thing. I like to experiment with ingredients, which is why I leave desserts alone. But, the purchase of a new Kitchen Aid mixer has propelled me into this unknown world, for my first true (not from a box) baking experience.

On a recent Sunday afternoon I was sitting at the bar of Café Atlántico when I came across kumquats soaking in St. Germain elderflower liquor. Coincidentally, later in the day I spotted some kumquats at Whole Foods, which is a rarity. It was one of those situations where you never hear or see anything for a long time and then it all comes at once. I love those moments so I bought two quarts of the fruit, not having any idea what I was going to do with them until the walk home.