When I don’t know what to do with my painting, I reach for food. This happens quite frequently, and I think it might have started in a workshop setting. It is natural to step away from one’s painting when it needs to dry for a few minutes, or to gain a fresh perspective… and in a workshop, there is always a table laden with goodies quite handy in the back of the room!
Here at home, I have to prepare my own snacks. Often I reach for something sweet or salty… crackers or cookies… brain food! By the time I’ve munched a little bit, I feel restored enough to face the next decision in the saga of my painting. I lost quite a bit of weight last year, but if I keep this up, I’ll have to go on a diet all over again 🙁
Just for your entertainment though, I’m going to share a recipe that had been haunting my memory until just recently when my friend Ellen kindly shared her recipe for ‘Kin Kahn.’ Kin Kahn means Golden Treasure in Japanese, and these kumquats steeped in Sake are a true treasure. Ellen shared these little yum-yums at our book club retreat a few years ago, and I couldn’t get them out of my mind. Another friend tells me that in Argentina these are made with brandy and can be quite strong. Maybe I’ll try that next.
Kin Kahn – Golden Treasure – (I call them Drunken Kumquats)
About a dozen kumquats – prick each 2-3 times with a toothpick , cover with water and simmer 10 mins.
Drain & discard water
Mix 1 1/4 cup water, 5 tbsp. Sugar, 1/3 tsp. salt, 2 tbsp. sake and simmer kumquats in this mixture for 30 mins. Refrigerate, letting the fruit rest in this liquid overnight.
Delicious served with toothpicks as an appetizer, or with a little pot-liquor poured over vanilla ice-cream. (twelve is only enough for one or two people in my humble opinion! You might want to double the recipe)
Next time you’re faced with a tough decision in your painting… try the ‘snack’ method. It works for me 🙂 What do you do when you reach that point?
Very few people possess true artistic ability. It is therefore both unseemly and unproductive to irritate the situation by making an effort. If you have a burning, restless urge to write or paint, simply eat something sweet and the feeling will pass. Fran Lebowitz.
Hi Ruth, I usually step away from the painting leave the room and grab a cup of white tea or ginger tea, and usually raw almonds, “trying” not to grab other goodies. Then I return after 5-10 minutes and sit back and contemplate as I enjoy my break. If I am really stuck then some kind of physical activity helps like gardening (yea right…lately with this rain?) or house chores, just to get the blood flowing again 🙂
Speaking of painting, I have one on my easel just waiting for a little more tweaking before it’s done!
Come by and see me at Studio 12 on the Open Studiios Tour of Beavercreek. I will be set up at Glenda Richards, which actually isn’t Beavercreek. It is a fun time to get out with a friend and tour. There are 14 stops with a total of 29 artists. Pick your choice and have fun!
Hi Ruth,
Same as you, I grab a bite to eat or I love having a cup of tea too. Thanks for sharing the Drunken Kumquats Recipe.
And congrats on your painting being accepted into the California Watercolor Association’s 41st National Exhibition. Way to go!
Thanks Jodi and Blenda 🙂 I plan to stop by & see you this weekend!
Non food related…Just read your newsletter…Congratulations on being juried into the California Watercolor Assoc. Show and Salem Art Festival. You go girlfriend!