Season: September to October. The raw flesh of the lumpy yellow quince is dry and disagreeably sour. However, once cooked, it becomes pink and highly perfumed. Lightly sweetened and combined with good fluffy cooking apples, such as Granny Smiths, it makes a delightful accompaniment for roast pork or duck. I also love this aromatic fruity sauce on a home-baked rice pudding.
Ingredients
makes four 8-ounce jars
Step 1
Put the quince, lemon juice, and 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of water into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes (quince takes longer to soften than apple and needs a bit of a head start). Add the apples and sugar and cook for a further 10 to 15 minutes, until all the fruit is well softened. Remove from the heat and either beat to a smooth pulp with a wooden spoon or press through a sieve.
Step 2
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 275°F and place the sterilized jars (see p. 152) inside.
Step 3
Return the pulp to the pan and bring to a boil, stirring to make sure it doesn’t stick and burn. Remove from the heat and pour immediately into the warm, sterilized jars. Seal with lids, clips, or screw-bands, remembering to release the screw-band by a quarter of a turn if using this type of jar (see p. 156). Place in a deep pan with a folded tea towel on the bottom. Cover with warm water (100°F), bring to the simmering point (190°F), then simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the jars from the hot water and place on a wooden surface or folded tea towel. Tighten the screw-bands, if using, and leave the jars undisturbed until cool. Check the seal (see p. 158). Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 1 year.
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