Balkan Quince Preserve

Ingredients

• 2 kg (4.4 lbs) quince, peeled, cored, and diced 2 kg (4.4 lbs) quince, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) granulated sugar 1 kg (2.2 lbs) granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups (950 ml) water 4 cups (950 ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 31g, 25g
• Protein: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, combine the diced quince, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and water.
2. 2.
   Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. 3.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 2 hours, or until the quince is tender and the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency.
4. 4.
   Remove the cinnamon stick and discard.
5. 5.
   Carefully transfer the hot preserve into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top.
6. 6.
   Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quince — Make sure to peel and core the quince before dicing it. The skin of the quince is tough and not pleasant to eat, so removing it is essential. Additionally, the core is hard and should be discarded to ensure a smooth texture in the preserve.

Tips & Tricks

• To test if the preserve is ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate. If it sets and wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it is done.
• For a more intense flavor, you can add a few cloves or a splash of rose water during the cooking process.
• Store the preserve in sterilized jars to ensure its longevity.

Serving advice

Serve Balkan Quince Preserve on fresh bread, toast, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. It also pairs wonderfully with cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider placing a small dollop of the preserve on a decorative plate and garnishing it with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.