3/4poundkumquatswashed, cut into 1/4 inch rounds and seeds removed
2teaspoonsfresh thyme leavesroughly chopped
Instructions
Prepare The Oven And Pan:
Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the upper third. Coat a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with extra butter and flour, tapping out the excess flour; set aside. Combine the measured flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to aerate and break up any lumps; set aside.
Make The Batter:
Place the measured butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup of the sugar and vanilla and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. (Stop the mixer periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl.) Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in two additions, mixing each until just incorporated. (Do not over mix or your cake will be tough.)
Bake The Pound Cake:
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake until the top of the cake is puffed and golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 to 50 minutes.
Make The Kumquat Marmalade:
Meanwhile, in a small pot over high heat bring 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and kumquats to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the kumquats are translucent and the skins are soft. Skim off any foam on top and add the thyme leaves. Stir and turn off the heat and set-aside until ready.
Cool The Baked Cake:
Once the pound cake is finished, remove from oven and rest on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the perimeter, invert the cake to remove it from the pan, and let it cool completely before serving.
Prepare The Whipped Cream And Serve:
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together the heavy cream, and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until soft peaks form about 3 minutes. To serve, cut the pound cake into 1-inch slices, and drizzle over the kumquat marmalade and a heaping dollop of whipped cream.