Instructions
- Put the pricked kumquats, sugar and brandy in a jar that can be tightly sealed (should hold at least a litre). Store jar away from sunlight.
- Every day for the next 14 days, turn the jar over and back to distribute the sugar. You don't need to shake the jar.
- After the 14 days are up, keep turning the jar over and back at least once a week until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- When the sugar has dissolved, use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently remove the kumquats. Leave the liqueur to age in the jar.
- Dip these boozy kumquats in melted chocolate for a delicious treat with after-dinner coffee. Store in the freezer.
- Six months later, the liqueur is ready to be bottled and enjoyed. Maggie saves interesting-looking smaller bottles to use for gifts.
- Note: You can bottle the liqueur at three months (to give as a gift), but tell the recipient it is worth waiting the extra three months before tasting. The well-aged liqueur is thicker, sweeter and more syrupy.