The Festival of the Quince continues
Today, we are going to get our beloved Quince absolutely soused in a vat of brandy.
Quince Brandy is a wonderful way to add warmth to cold winter days and nights. The fruity, citrusy fragrance of the quince seems to both mellow and enliven the flavor of brandy.
I keep this large canning jar of Quince Brandy in my refrigerator. I use it to moisten cake and ladyfingers for trifles or to add a richness to soups and sauces. It is also splendid as a digestive after dinner.
This year, I’m looking forward to sharing this exquisite concoction with friends, and you can too! Read on to learn how to make quince brandy for yourself and your friends in time for the holidays.
If you don’t have a quince tree from which to pluck, look for quince in your grocery store (Whole Foods carries them in my area) or at farmer’s markets.
… as soon as I saw them, visions of hostess gifts started dancing in my head.
sharon walter says
Hello
I am searching for a laurel wreath rubber stamp like the one in your photos, and your sight came up on google. . You mentioned that you bought it at a local store. I realize this post was several years ago, but Would you mind sharing the name of the store? I am hopeful they may still have the stamp or be able to direct me to the source. Thank you, Sharon
splendid says
Hello Sharon, I bought it at a shop called “Impress” at University Village here in Seattle, here is a link to their web site: https://uvillage.com/impress-rubber-stamps/ . Fingers crossed! Emily
Nick Lazaroff says
Emily –
I just found your site and it’s amazing! I’m making quince brandy for the first time this year. I know that some folks sweeten theirs but I thought I’d taste if prior to see if it really needs any sweetness added.
I’m wondering what uses you have for the leftover quince that has been soaking in the brandy? I’m thinking of making another quince cake (in which the quince turns into this wonderful pudding texture within the cake) but wanted to see if you have any suggestions.
Best,
Nick
splendid says
Hello and thank you Nick. I love my quince brandy, it has such an interesting flavor. I don’t add any sweetness to mine, but I don’t like sweet drinks. I’ve never tried to do anything with the fruit. I always leave it in until we finish the brandy which can be years. The fruits have been very hard… but they are hard when they go in too. I think the pudding is worth a try, please let me know how it turns out!
Nick Lazaroff says
Thank you! I didn’t think about leaving some of the fruit in (I ran it through a cuisinart so I have plenty of surface hitting the brandy. I didn’t think about leaving some of the fruit in as I intend to gift a couple of bottles this year. I’ll let you know how the cake turns out (when I make it, I use rum in the base but will skip that step). I’ll probably make some jam as well.
Best,
Nick
Nick says
Have to tell you the cake made from the leftover quince was wonderful – the quince was grated so it had lots of contact with all the spices and carried the flavors through the poaching and cooking process. – it is perfectly spiced for a holiday cake.
And it goes very well with the brandy!!1
splendid says
Yum! That sounds amazing Nick, I will have to try that, I wonder if my quince are too soused already?? Happy holidays!