Wednesday 19 October 2011

Quince jelly (recipe)



A family friend asked me if I would like a bag of quinces. Yes, of course, I would. As tempting as it was to try the recent Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's recipes from The Guardian, I love the quince jelly.


I used the most basic and simple recipe as I don't think quinces need any extras, they have such an intense beautiful flavour of their own.
You will need
500g/1lb granulated sugar to every 600ml/1pint of strained juice
or in simple terms, if you don't have scales, for a full cup of strained juice you will need to fill a cup with sugar about 4/5.

1.Wash the quinces well and cut into chunks, removing any blemished or rotten parts, keep the skin on. Put in a large pan and pour over enough water to just cover the fruit. Simmer until pulpy, which will take at least an hour.
2.Put the pulp into a jelly bag or muslin cloth and leave to drip for at least 4 hrs (or overnight).
3.Measure the juice and pour it into a preserving pan. Stir in the sugar.
4.Heat slowly, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil rapidly, skimming the scum off the top, until the jelly reaches setting point.
5.Pot into warm, dry jars, cover and seal.


Serve your quince jelly on crumpets, muffins or toast, or with roast hot or cold meats, especially game.
I absolutely love a good dollop of quince jelly with a chunk of smelly cheese.

I made a batch of quince jelly jars and also left a couple of quinces for a game casserole I am cooking tonight.

I tried to take a few photos outdoors to show the most gorgeous colour of the jelly, but the sun is hiding today, and the photos do not do the justice to the colour palette.

3 comments:

  1. The sun is always hiding. Despite this I think its still a very nice colour. I have a suggestion that may work, if you have extra Quince jelly jars. Would you be willing to do a jar swap. I made some homemade Green Tomato Chutney and would be happy to exchange. E mail and let me know. If not, thats okay.

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  2. I could swap a jar, I suppose, if you want. I never tried a green tomato chutney, though I have won one in my son's school raffle, and it has to mature for 3 months before been eaten.

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  3. Oh I'm just catching up with my blog reads as I've been away from blogging for the past week or so and missed on this. If your still happy to swap, can you e mail me with your address on mangocheeks@sky.com. As soon as I get your e mail, I will give you my address in return and I will post the Green Tomato chutney this week. See here for the jar you'll receive.
    http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.com/2011/09/green-tomato-chutney.html
    Also, may I thank you so, so much for becoming a follower. I am really humbled. Thank you.

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