Quinces Recipe

Quinces have a long and illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. Originating in the ancient region of Mesopotamia, quinces were highly prized by the Greeks and Romans for their aromatic fragrance and unique flavor. In fact, the quince was considered the fruit of love in Greek mythology and was often used as a symbol of fertility and happiness.

Today, quinces are somewhat of a hidden gem in the culinary world. Their distinctive tartness and floral aroma make them a delight to cook with, especially when transformed into a delicious quince preserve. This recipe will guide you through the process of making a lovely quince preserve that can be enjoyed on its own, spread on toast, or used as a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes.

To begin, you'll need four quarts of ripe quinces. Pared, cored, and quartered, these quince pieces will be the star of the show. To balance out the tartness of the quinces, we'll need one and a half quarts of sugar and two quarts of water.

Before cooking the quinces, give them a good rub with a coarse, crash towel. This will remove any dirt or impurities and ensure that the quinces are clean and ready for cooking. Next, blanch the quinces for six minutes by briefly immersing them in boiling water. This step will soften the quinces and make them easier to work with.

After blanching, it's time to peel, quarter, and core the quinces. Drop the quince pieces into cold water to prevent them from browning. Once all the quinces are prepared, place them in a preserving kettle, making sure they are covered generously with cold water. Heat the kettle slowly and simmer the quinces gently until they are tender. It's important to note that each piece of quince may require a different amount of cooking time, so keep an eye on them and remove each piece as soon as it becomes tender enough for a silver fork to pierce it easily.

Once all the quince pieces are cooked, drain them on a platter and set them aside. Take the water in which the quinces were cooked and strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any impurities. This strained liquid will be used to create the syrup for the quince preserve. In a preserving kettle, combine two quarts of the strained liquid with the sugar. Stir the mixture over the fire until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the syrup begins to boil, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

Finally, it's time to add the cooked quince pieces to the syrup. Gently place them into the kettle and let them simmer in the syrup for about forty minutes. This will allow the quinces to absorb the flavors of the syrup and turn them into a delightful treat. Be sure to cook the quinces gently to avoid breaking them apart or overcooking them.

Once the cooking time is up, your quince preserve is ready to be enjoyed. You can either serve it warm or let it cool down and store it in sterilized jars for later use. Quince preserves are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on toast, pair it with cheese for a delightful appetizer, or even incorporate it into baked goods for a unique twist of flavor.

Fun fact: Quince preserves are commonly enjoyed in the Middle East, where they are known as "murabba." These preserves are often seasoned with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves, adding an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.

If you're looking to explore similar quince dishes, you might want to try making Membrillo, a traditional Spanish quince paste. Membrillo is typically served alongside cheese and is a match made in heaven. The sweet and delicate flavor of the quince paste pairs perfectly with the boldness of various cheeses, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Another option is to incorporate quinces into pies and tarts. Their unique taste and texture can add an element of surprise to traditional recipes. Consider making a quince and apple pie or a quince and almond tart for a delicious twist on classic desserts.

In conclusion, quince preserves are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of this underrated fruit. Whether enjoyed on their own or used as an ingredient in other recipes, quinces bring a unique and delightful flavor to the table. So, why not give this quince preserve recipe a try and discover the wonders of this ancient fruit for yourself?