Prepared this way, quince can serve as an appetizer or snack, perfect with a glass of wine before the main course. Its savory, sweet flavor pairs well with cheeses like pecorino and a piece of baguette.
Ingredients
- Quince (size of a large apple), 1, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
- Pecorino cheese, 3 slices
Syrup
- Honey, 2 tablespoons
- Grated lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon
- Star anise, 1 star
- Cinnamon stick, 1/2
- Bay leaf, 1
- Rosemary leaves, a few
- Red wine, 150 ml
Preparation
In a saucepan, bring the syrup ingredients to a boil and add the quince. Add water to cover the quince, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
Remove the quince and strain the syrup through a sieve. Reduce the syrup by boiling until it reaches a thicker consistency. Return the quince to the syrup and season with freshly ground pepper if desired.
Serve with slices of pecorino cheese and a baguette.