Persian Quince Preserves
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. quince
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp cardamom seeds or 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
Makes 2 pints. Cut quinces in quarters and remove cores. Slice into 1/4 inch strips. Wash and drain. Place quince and water in heavy saucepan. Bring to boil on high heat, reduce and let simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Add sugar and vanilla OR cardamom OR cinnamon. Place clean dish towel over pan and cover firmly with lid--this way the quince will turn red. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Add lemon juice, cover and simmer for 1 hour more over low heat--stirring gently from time to time--until syrup has thickened and quince has turned red. Allow to cool. Note: I would not allow preserves to cool. Fill sterilized jars and seal. (Nothing is said about processing jars, but I think I would process jars according to recommendations given for processing apples.)