This is an elegant and unique sweet to put out for parties – I mean, really, when was the last time you had a kumquat? A kumquat is a member of the citrus family and looks like a tiny, oval orange. The skin is edible and sweet and the flesh is tart.
3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup walnut halves
2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, minced
1 jar (10 ounces) preserved kumquats, drained
Melt chocolate in double boiler or microwave and stir in the walnut halves. Remove each walnut and place on waxed paper to dry.
Place cream cheese in a medium bowl and blend in the cinnamon and ginger.
Slice each kumquat in half lengthwise. Stuff each kumquat with the cream cheese mixture and top with a chocolate walnut. Makes about 36.
Notes: I like to present them in small, fluted paper cups. Store in refrigerator.