I usually buy quince paste from the store and I didn't know you could make it at home. It's so easy, you'll see. It all started when one of my dad's colleagues gave him some quinces. He also gave us the recipe for dulce de membrillo so we gave it a try.
Today I'm going to give you our recipe to make homemade membrillo from scratch using fresh quince. I'm going to guide you step by step to make this delicious treat that will surely become a favorite in your recipe box. Finally, we are going to add it to the perfect cheese platter.
Quinces are a hard fruit that looks like a cross between a pear and an apple. They can't be eaten raw, only cooked. You can make paste, jam or jelly with them. They give off a wonderful floral aroma. Like apples and pears, they’re in season during the fall.
You only need a few things to make your own membrillo. Quince, of course, a lemon, some sugar ... and time. Quince paste isn’t hard to make, but it takes several hours and therefore patience.
INGREDIENTS
2 & 1/2 kg quinces
2 kg white sugar
1 lemon
DIRECTIONS
- Wash quinces thoroughly (they are covered in some kind of fuzz) and cut in pieces.
- Place the quince pieces in a large pan, then cover with the sugar and the juice of one lemon.
- Leave aside overnight. In the morning the sugar will have dissolved.
- Cook at low heat and stir often for about two hours until the quince pieces are tender and the spoon stands on its own.
- Blend the fruit until very smooth.
- Transfer to a mold.
- To serve, slice the paste into thin rectangles.
- Keep refrigerated, it lasts for months in the fridge.
Membrillo traditionally goes with Manchego cheese. Its taste is sweet but not too sweet thanks to the lemon juice. That combination of sweet and salty is delicious. But you can actually pair it with any type of cheese. It's a great dessert together with a glass of wine or a healthy and yummy breakfast with farmer's cheese and some nuts. Here I've paired it with different types of cheese, dry plums, nuts and some fruit. It's a colorful and mouth-watering dish that will be part of our holiday celebrations.
If you need more ideas for the holidays, I've got you covered. I suggest you read how to host a tapas party, check out this Greek yogurt fruit tart and this Christmas loaf cake.Have you ever tried quince paste? What snacks are you including in your Christimas / New Year's menu?
xo Cristina
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