Ingredients

　　1/2 cup water

　　1/2 cup sake or dry vermouth

　　1/2 cup sugar

　　4 whole star anise (available at specialty foods shops and Asian  markets)

　　1 pound kumquats (about 40), trimmed, sliced thin, and the seeds  discarded

　　In a saucepan bring the water and the sake or vermouth to a boil with the sugar, the star anise, and a pinch of salt and boil the mixture for 5 minutes. Stir in the kumquats and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, or until it is thickened. Discard the star anise, chill the sauce until it is cold, and serve it with ice cream, yogurt, or pound cake. The sauce keeps, covered and chilled, for 1 week.