When I started writing this post/entry and labeled the photographs, I finally realized my omission of the second “S” in “mousse” (as I copied and pasted the title, over-and-over again). Yikes! The spellchecker wouldn’t have picked that up!
There was a bin of bright, healthy and lovely kumquats in one of our local markets. I would venture to say that kumquats probably enjoy a longer season in Southern California. I’ve seen them planted in patio planters and also used for an entrance way decoration in front of a restaurant in Little Italy. Besides eating them, skin and all, what else can I do with these tangy little oval-shaped, citrus treats?
Had I known mousse could be such a quick and rewarding dessert, I would have started this mousse obsession eons ago. This mousse, with the sugared kumquats in syrup, is a delicious combination of sweetness from chocolate and the syrup from the kumquats. The sugared kumquats have a delightful tanginess that is gracefully offset by the added sugar. Don’t skimp or skip drizzling some fresh whipped cream on each individual serving. The silky-light whipped cream truly makes all these flavors come together to create a perfect balance to enjoy all the sweet and tanginess at their most.
This is a quick to assemble treat…the perfect dessert when entertaining guests because it needs to be made in advance and this is an example of when serving less is truly more. Plan ahead for the time it needs to chill (both the mousse and the sugared, syrupy kumquats). Overnight chilling will reward the best results. I used 6, 5-ounce dishes to serve. Serving in 4-ounce dishes would work well too.
I’m in love with kumquats now. So much, that I’m off to the nursery to see if I can secure my own little plant to start in a patio planter. Please share with me your experiences with kumquats and if you have one planted. Are they easy to care for?
- When making the Sugared Kumquats: Be sure to completely melt down the sugar until its fully dissolved, otherwise you won’t benefit from the most syrup formation.
- I tried cutting the kumquats in both thirds and in half. It works well both ways. If you or your guests really enjoy that sweet-n-sour/tanginess sensation, cut the small fruits in half to really get a burst of it in each spoonful.
- I used 5-ounce serving sizes. 4-ounces would work well too. If you’re serving small samplers or tasters for a party, you could even serve smaller sized portions.
Makes about 30 ozs
Mousse
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup water
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
Sugared Kumquats
1/2 cup sliced fresh kumquats (about 10 good-sized kumquats), sliced in half or thirds – crosswise
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup chilled whipping cream
Prepare Chocolate Mousse
Melt the bittersweet chocolate with 1/4 cup water in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Whisk with wood spoon until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 8-10 minutes.
With an electric mixer, beat egg whites in medium-sized bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup sugar until stiff, but NOT dry. Pour cooled melted chocolate over egg whites and gently fold together. Divide mousse among individual dishes. Cover and chill 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Prepare Sugared Kumquats and its Syrup
Mix kumquats and 1/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan and let stand at least 10 minutes.
Stir slowly over low heat until sugar dissolves. Transfer to a smaller bowl and cover to chill 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Assemble with Fresh Whipped Cream
Beat chilled whipping cream in a small bowl to form soft peaks. Spoon whipped cream on top of mousse servings. Follow with sugared kumquats and its syrup.
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
What a perfect combination! I didn’t see there was another Kumquat recipe. 🙂 I love this one…. I wish I can eat this lovely dessert.
Magic of Spice says
Absolutely delightful treat! I do love kumquats and find them at the markets often, always looking for a special way to showcase them and this is perfect 🙂
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Oh no, now you are giving me ideas. I love kumquats so much I may have to join you in your search of a tree to plant in the backyard.
Juliana says
Cristina, what a beautiful and tasty dessert…love it with kumquat. So elegantly presented…and awesome pictures as always.
Hope you are having wonderful week 🙂
5 Star Foodie says
A lovely dessert, the topping with sugared kumquats is very unique!
Mindy says
I don’t know about growing kumquats, but they make a delightful tart treat even eaten plain!!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Wow, I love the idea of chocoalte and kumquats! This looks outstanding. 🙂
Kate@Diethood.com says
Mousse Mouse…who’s going to notice?! 😉
Love the kumquats in this delicious dessert!
pachecopatty says
I’m loving the lightness of your chocolate mousse paired with the burst of flavor from the sugared kumquats, it looks so flavorful and refreshing for a summer dessert;-)
Tiffany says
Oh my word Cristina! I am thinking of all the ways I want to use those kumquats! This dessert looks, well, PERFECT!
Joy says
The mousse is lovely.
Mamas Gotta Bake says
What an absolutely beautiful dessert. That I’ve gotta make. And lovely photo too!
Terra says
Wow, this is soooo pretty, the kumquats are adorable! I love the idea of making sugared kumquats! I am so happy to connect with you from Tiffany’s guest post. I look forward to following you and your beautiful posts!
Take care, Terra
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says
Love those little kumquats and in the sugar – pure perfection. This looks like a just a perfect dessert! On my list! Have a great weekend.
Elyse @The Cultural Dish says
Wow.. I’ve never had kumquats before. This looks so good and interesting – definitely a keeper!
Maureen says
Aren’t you the clever one! These look divine!
Russell at Chasing Delicious says
Oh yum! Everything about this recipe sounds delicious. I am a huge sucker for chocolate mousse. The sugared kumquats seem like such a great addition too. I’ve never tried anything like it so I’m going to have to give this a try.
Gourmantine says
What a beautiful dessert Christina! I usually pair my choc mousse with raspberries (in any form) will have to try kumquats the next time I see them! Have a nice weekend 🙂
briarrose says
Oh my this looks delicious. Wonderful mix of flavors.
ray says
Whoa Cristina, that is the most beautiful mouse I’ve ever seen disguised as Mousse! Good thing you didn’t really forget the extra “S.” LOL! Looks very refreshing dessert!
Kelly says
This is so cute!! What a great presentation, they look delicious! 🙂
Jill Colonna says
What absolutely stunning photographs! Love the story about the ‘s’. My granny’s black recipe book is full of her chocolate mouse recipes and it just cracks me up. I don’t think you could get more seduction in a glass with that decadent chocolate and the richness of the kumkuats. Sensational.
anh says
I can only hope that my kumquat tree will provide some fruits next year! This mousse looks incredible!
chona ramos-alonzo says
Hi Cristina, I know I may sound naive, but what is this fruit? I’ve never encountered it here in England. Is it not sour? It’s got funny name as well hehehe…nevermind, another great job you’ve done there again. Simply amazing! 🙂
Cristina - Teenie Cakes says
Thanks Chona!
I’m so glad you asked about these little kumquats. Truth be told, they’re quite new to me too and I absolutely agree about the name…an odd name! They look like little oranges, but are oval and about the size of a large olive. They’re rather tart and when eating them, you eat the peel and all.
They make for pretty potted plants and I’m hoping to find one of these little fruit bearing trees. I’d like to find more things to do with them…maybe salads and cute garnishes for other dishes.
chona ramos-alonzo says
I’m sure they make pretty potted plants ( i adore cutie little ones 🙂 ) & thank you so much for the info…now I’ll try & look for some in here – that would be interesting. I’m sure they will find English weather very unpredictable. Goodluck Cristina, I hope you will come up more with brilliant ideas for these little fella. Take care! 🙂
chona ramos-alonzo says
oopps, i forgot the “s” – fellas LOL…
Parsley Sage says
Kumquats are almost too cute to eat! I hardly ever see them around either so well done using this great little ingredient 🙂 Looks positively delicious!
Maris (in Good taste) says
Looks like a very fancy and elegant dessert
Susie says
I love the addition of sugared kumquats. I think they are so tasty it sounds like a lovely combination with the mouse.
Monet says
How lovely! I need a simple summer dessert, and this mousse seems perfect! Thank you for sharing such an elegant yet easy treat. I hope you are having a lovely afternoon, my friend!
Ruby says
What an inspired combination! I love dark chocolate and orange, so I’m totally grooving on your use of this lesser-known citrus. Must go see if I can find any in the shops here – sure as heck can’t grow it in our climate!
Roxana GreenGirl says
Hi Cristina,
what a wonderful and elegant dessert you’re sharing today. I love chocolate mousse, i usually make it with heavy cream, never tried with egg whites.
The sugared kumquats sound and amazing!!!
Christine says
Looks wonderful!
Steph@stephsbitebybite says
This looks so elegant and suonds like a fantastic chocolate dessert!