My first attempt at marmalade proved successful! I did alter the recipe a bit so if you'd like to follow suit here's what I did:
2.5 C kumquats thinly sliced and seeded ( I was just shy of 3 cups, hence the next ingredient)
1/2 C Oranges (also thinly slice, with rind. I then quartered the slices so the pieces would be in approx. 2" slices)
Approx. 2.75 C sugar (the original recipe called for 6.5 C of sugar but the thought of that amount just made my teeth hurt!)
1 C water
1 package pectin
Put the water in the sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add the pectin and stir until smooth. Add the kumquats, oranges, sugar and stir. Bring to a rolling boil until all the sugar dissolves completely (about 3-4 minutes). Pour into your hot, sterilized jars and seal accordingly.
This was so easy and it turned out absolutely delicious! The less-than-half amount of sugar, in my opinion, was perfect too. I cannot imagine using 6.5 cups per 3 C of kumquats. I'm sure the enamel would have worn off my teeth! If you don't have access to kumquats I'm confident this recipe will work just as well with oranges.
Smear some of this on a fresh crumpet and have yourself a nice cuppa!
Cheers....
Note: If you do use less sugar you will need to refrigerate your preserves after opening.
