Kythoni xysto (grated quince preserve)

Yield: 1 Servings K

Ingredients:

4 Quinces (about 1 kg)
3 c Water
4 c Sugar
2 Thin lemon rind strips
1 Piece cinnamon bark *Or*
2 Rose geranium leaves
1/4 c Blanched split almonds *
2 tb Lemon juice

Instructions:

*Note: almonds should be toasted. Cooking time: 1 1/2 hours Wash quinces well and rub off all fuzz. Peel quarter and remove core. Place peels and cores in a pan with 2 cups water and boil for 20 minutes. Grate quince quarters and place in a heavy preserving pan with remaining water. Leave aside until peels are boiled. Do not be concerned if quince discolours. Strain liquid from peels into a measuring jug and make up to 2 cups with water. Add this to grated quince with the sugar lemon rind and cinnamon bark or washed geranium leaves. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved. Bring to the boil and boil fairly rapidly for 1 hour or until it gels when tested on a cold saucer. Stir in almonds and lemon juice and boil 1 minute longer. Ladle into hot sterilized jars and seal when cold. Note: As the peel and core contain pectin the setting ingredients for jellies and preserves it is advisable that these be boiled to extract the pectin. From: "The Complete Middle East Cookbook" by Tess Mallos ISBN: 1 86302 069 1 Typed for you by Karen Mintzias