Season: September to October. The raw flesh of the lumpy yellow quince is dry and disagreeably sour. However, once cooked, it becomes pink and highly perfumed. Lightly sweetened and combined with good fluffy cooking apples, such as Granny Smiths, it makes a delightful accompaniment for roast pork or duck. I also love this aromatic fruity sauce on a home-baked rice pudding.

　　

Ingredients

makes four 8-ounce jars

　　1 pound, 2 ounces quince, peeled, cored, and chopped

　　Juice of 1/2 lemon

　　1 pound, 2 ounces cooking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

　　2/3 cup granulated sugar

　　

Step 1

Put the quince, lemon juice, and 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons of water into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes (quince takes longer to soften than apple and needs a bit of a head start). Add the apples and sugar and cook for a further 10 to 15 minutes, until all the fruit is well softened. Remove from the heat and either beat to a smooth pulp with a wooden spoon or press through a sieve.

　　

Step 2

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 275°F and place the sterilized jars (see p. 152) inside.

　　

Step 3

Return the pulp to the pan and bring to a boil, stirring to make sure it doesn’t stick and burn. Remove from the heat and pour immediately into the warm, sterilized jars. Seal with lids, clips, or screw-bands, remembering to release the screw-band by a quarter of a turn if using this type of jar (see p. 156). Place in a deep pan with a folded tea towel on the bottom. Cover with warm water (100°F), bring to the simmering point (190°F), then simmer for 5 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Remove the jars from the hot water and place on a wooden surface or folded tea towel. Tighten the screw-bands, if using, and leave the jars undisturbed until cool. Check the seal (see p. 158). Store in a cool, dry place. Use within 1 year.

　　The River Cottage Preserves Handbook by Pam Corbin.Pam Corbin has been making preserves for as long as she can remember, and for more than twenty years her passion has been her business. Pam and her husband, Hugh, moved to Devon where they bought an old pig farm and converted it into a small jam factory. Using only wholesome, seasonal ingredients, their products soon became firm favorites with jam-lovers the world over. Pam has now hung up her professional wooden spoon but continues to "jam" at home. She also works closely with the River Cottage team, making seasonal goodies using fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers from her own garden, and from the fields and hedgerows.