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Quince is a rich and fragrant fruit that has been appreciated throughout the centuries but is rarely present in the modern kitchen. Quince, which has a sour flavour and a firm texture while fresh, becomes an amazing ingredient when cooked. It is very versatile in terms of application in various dishes that is why it is used both in savoury and sweet preparations. Its taste resembles the one of apple and pear. Quince is a pleasant and healthy food that is high in dietary fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. It can help with digestion and increase immunity, among other health advantages. As the season of quince approaches, the time to try some creative uses of this traditional fruit in cooking is high. Quince can improve your food as well as impress your guests with everything ranging from full-flavoured desserts to revitalising syrups. These five dishes show how to make the best of the fruit when it is available and how tasteful it can be in its diversity.
Quince Biscuit Pie
This homemade pie has a buttery biscuit crust and the mild sweetness of cooked quince. Peel and core the quince segments, then poach them in a mixture of water, sugar, vanilla bean, and cinnamon until they are soft and rosy. To make a soft, flaky dough for the biscuit crust, mix flour, chilled butter, sugar, and buttermilk. In a pie dish, arrange the boiled quince in layers, saving the reduced syrup. Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top, brush with egg wash, and top with rounds of biscuit dough. Bake until the filling bubbles around the edges and the biscuits are golden brown. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of the reduced quince syrup.
Image Credit: Creative Commons
Quince Puff Pastry Squares
Use an elegant quince filling to turn store-bought puff pastry into exquisite pastries. Diced quince, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla are cooked slowly until mushy and caramelised to make a quince compote. Puff pastry should be rolled out and cut into squares. Dock the centre of each square and score a boundary around it. Spread the chilled quince compote in the middle, then make a frame by folding and crimping the sides. Apply egg wash, then bake until golden and puffy. Lastly, pour some honey over it, and dust some powdered sugar on it. These delicate pastries are the perfect accompaniment to elegant-styled sweets or afternoon tea.
Quince Soda Syrup
Make a unique handmade soda syrup that captures the essence of quince fruits. Add water, sugar, lemon juice, diced quince, and cardamom pods; simmer until the fruit is very tender. To get the most flavour out of the mixture without clouding the syrup, strain it while gently pressing. The filtered liquid should be cooked until it becomes syrupy. Use as an elegant cocktail mixer or combine it with sparkling water for a cool drink. You can continue to savour the flavour of quince even after the season is over by storing the syrup in sterilised bottles, which will be kept in the refrigerator for several months.
Quince Jam
Learn an easy-to-make quince jam recipe. Peeled quince should be grated to release as much sugar as possible, which produces a naturally firm set. Add sugar, lemon juice, and a vanilla pod and cook until the fruit thickens significantly and takes on a rich red hue. The change often takes an hour or so, during which time the kitchen will smell amazing. Dropping a tiny bit onto a cold plate will test the set; it should wrinkle when pressed. While still hot, pour into sterilised jars and close immediately. This preserves quince’s unique taste intact.
Image Credit: Freepik
Quince Polenta Cake
Made with polenta, almond flour, and orange juice, this amazing quince cake is garnished with fresh quinces. It is a gluten-free cake that tastes so soft. Warm up the oven. In a circular cake pan, combine flour and butter. Put the quince in a bowl, pour in some fresh water, squeeze in some lemon juice, and put aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream eggs and cane sugar on medium speed until pale. Mix just till mixed after adding the almond meal, polenta, yoghurt, orange juice, orange zest, and baking powder. Fill the prepared cake pan with batter. After draining, place the quince slices on top of the batter, pressing them down just enough to fit. Preheat the oven and bake. Let cool before adding slices of almonds on top.
Image Credit: Flickr
Quince can make you distinct and delicious cuisine when it is incorporated into the dietary table. Cook with it, bake with it, make juice or smoothies and get to know how valuable this underrated fruit is.
