When God Gives You Cumquats - How to make cumquat marmalade

1. Find the means to collect about 1.5 kg of cumquats.
Climbing on roof not essential but may
 be preferred option for  cheap
 thrill-seekers. If this option is taken,
 make the time to peruse the vegie 
garden from an aerial view and give in to the tendency to boss those below you around a bit. 

2.  Show a bit of leg. 
















3. I've got a lovely bunch of cumquats...






















4. Wash the cumquats and pick off any little bits of leaf, stalk, insect etc...

5. Draw and quarter the little squirts... This process is long and meditative, and may be aided by a little bluegrass in the background. See below :) 

6. Cover the cumquats with cold water and leave overnight with glad wrap over the bowl.
goodnight little-uns....

7. Boil the cumquats n' water mixture until they go soft. Smell the kitchen.... It's like a tangerine nose explosion!

8. Add some lemon squirts. About 2 juicy lemons' worth. (This is the secret pectin ingredient)

9. Add what you think is way too much castor sugar..... Then add another 2 cups. 

9. Put your hand-me-down jars in the oven on low heat. Leave them in here til they are ready to receive the golden nectar....
Whilst taking the photo, notice the grubby state of the oven and decide emphatically that it's definitely NOT your turn to clean it..

10. Whilst the mixture boils away steadily, wonder why no-one's made an incense out of the smell of cumquats cooking.
Let it boil a long time....
Play some more music (see 5.)

11. Pour the marmalade into the now warm jars. Withhold the urge to drink a litre of warm marmalde there and then. 

12. Seal the jars while they're still hot. Start making plans for tomorrow's breakfast....


Yip!!