Recently Max Raccoon acquired some kumquats. We aren't sure how he got them, he says it's don't ask don't tell. Jeez. Anyway, they are the ideal citrus fruit for the animals, being relatively tiny. Max asked Zoe Rabbit to help him make jam. After some consideration she agreed.
Max helped Zoe slice the kumquats.
There were a lot. Whenever they found a seed they took it out. Also they took out the little stem pieces.
"Here Zoe," said Max, "don't forget this one!"
"Or these other ones!"
Max had also provided some excellent jars.
Finally, they put all the slices in a pot on medium heat, and added about a cup and a half of water.
They didn't want to be photographed for this next part, and we try to respect their wishes. But here is what they did. They stirred the pot from time to time as the kumquats cooked down. They added about a cup of sugar and kept stirring. It took about a half an hour, and then amazingly all the things had turned into jam. To test if the jam was ready, they dribbled a little bit onto a cold plate and let it cool. When they tilted the plate, if the jam still dripped it was not ready yet. But if it was too gooey to drip, then it was ready.
So then they put the hot jam into the jars.
They had SO MUCH JAM! They had enough to give a jar to all the other animals, and still they would have some to store.
Totally worth it. IMPORTANT FACT! The animals are immune to botulism, BUT HUMANS ARE NOT! If you do this project as written, don't keep the jam out, even in unopened cans. You can keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of months, or in the freezer for six months.
But really it's too delicious for that. Kumquats have less bitter peels than other citrus fruits, so even if you don't like marmalade, as I do not, you might well like this delicious orangey jam.
