As promised, here’s how I turned the quince pulp leftover from making jelly into a cranberry quince sauce. Just so you know, I went pretty light on the sugar. I wanted something that would have the necessary flavors to go alongside turkey, but would still be good to eat throughout the rest of the year (as soon as I pop the first jar, I’m plan eating a big scoop with some cottage cheese and a few Ak-mak crackers).
This is the type of recipe that’s more technique that true recipe. That’s to say consider this a starting point. Use what you have and adjust the ingredients in order to make it taste good to you.
Cranberry Quince Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 cups quince pulp run everything leftover from the juice extraction through a food mill
- 2 12- ounce bags of cranberries washed and picked over
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 3 cups cane sugar
- zest of one lemon
Instructions
- Combine quince pulp, cranberries and water in a large pot, non-reactive pot. Bring to a bare simmer, turn the heat to low and cover. You do this because the quince pulp rapidly becomes quite splashy and it’s best for everyone to keep that kind of splatter contained.
- This isn’t a product that needs a ton of cooking, because the quince has already been cooked for around three hours. Really, you’re just gently simmering until the cranberries pop.
- When the cranberries have popped (some might need a bit of convincing with the back of a wooden spoon), add the sugar and lemon zest. Stir to combine. Add a bit more water if the sauce has gotten too stiff (quince in very high in pectin, so vigorous setting is a possibility). Taste and adjust the sugar if you feel so moved.
- At this point, you could also give it a bit of spice with the addition of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger or cloves (I would pick just one or two). However, I like the simple taste of the fruit, so I leave it as is.
- Fill jars, wipe rims, apply lids and bands and process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes. This recipe will make approximately four pints. However, if you make less and plan to eat it fairly soon, you can skip the canning step. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
looks great, I think I’ll try it this weekend! one question though, how much lemon juice? Did you write zest instead of juice by accident, or are we supposed to add both? Cheers!
Oops, sorry for the confusion (it was a typo and is now fixed). I really just want you to add the zest, for a bit of lemon flavor.
I have to make this, Marisa!! Two unique and extraordinary ingredients, this is really an example of how canning year’round can be done.
Gosh, thanks Aimee!
Beautiful looking jelly!
Your saying “Eat a big scoop with…” caught my eye Marisa! I was given a huge bag of quince and was searching for something other than quince paste, which I like to make yearly and give as gifts. I ended up making quince slices in cinnamon syrup (recipe here: http://sacatomato.com/quince-slices-cooked-poached-recipe) but look forward to your quince cranberry sauce for Xmas dinner (and eating big scoops with things!)