Kythoni Xysto (Grated Quince Preserve)

Karen Mintzias 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

*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