Homemade Quince Paste (Membrillo)

Dee514's Note:

Delicious sliced thinly and served with Manchego cheese and sliced apples. In the Northeast USA, quince are in season from September to November. When stored refrigerated, in air tight wrappings, it should keep for several months. Prep/Cook times do not include cooling times.

• Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 pan (8 ...

• 4 lbs quinces, washed, peeled, cored, roughly chopped
• 1 vanilla pod, split
• lemon zest, two strips 1/2-inch x 2-inches each (only the yellow peel, no white pith)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar (exact amount will be determined during cooking)

Directions:

1. Place quince pieces in a large saucepan (6-8 quarts) and cover with water. Add the vanilla pod and lemon peel and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let cook until the quince pieces are fork tender (30-40 minutes).
2. Strain the water from the quince pieces. Discard the vanilla pod but keep the lemon peel with the quince. Purée the quince pieces in a food processor, blender, or by using a food mill. Measure the quince purée. Measure an equal amount of granulated sugar. (If you have 4 cups of purée, you'll need 4 cups of sugar.) Return the quince purée to the large pan. Heat to medium-low. Add the sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add the lemon juice.
3. Continue to cook over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the quince paste is very thick and has a deep orange pink color.
4. Preheat oven to a low 125°F (52°C). Line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper (do not use wax paper, it will melt!). Grease the parchment paper with a thin coating of butter. Pour the cooked quince paste into the parchment paper-lined baking pan. Smooth out the top of the paste so it is even. Place in the oven for about an hour to help it dry. Remove from oven and let cool.
5. To serve, cut into squares or wedges and present with Manchego cheese. To eat, take a small (1/8-inch thick) slice of the quince paste and place it on top of a (1/4-inch thick) slice of the cheese. Store by wrapping in foil or plastic wrap, and keeping in the refrigerator.