Quince Jelly With Star Anise Food

QUINCE JELLY WITH STAR ANISE

Steps:

• Place quinces in a large saucepan. Add water, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, covered, until dark pink and very soft, about 3 hours.
• Pass through a fine sieve, pressing out liquid; discard solids. (You should have 4 cups liquid. If you don't, adjust the amount of sugar used in step 3 to maintain a 1:1 ratio.)
• Bring quince juice, sugar, lemon juice, and star anise to a simmer in a large saucepan over high heat. Cook, skimming foam, until thick and a candy thermometer registers 220 degrees. Plate-test jelly to make sure it is set. Divide between four 1/2-pint-size sterilized glass jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace at tops. Can in water bath for 10 minutes. Let stand overnight to fully set before using. Unopened jelly can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 year.

CHICKEN-LIVER CROSTINI WITH QUINCE JELLY

Steps:

• Line a 4-by-6-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foamy. Cook shallots and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes. Add chicken livers, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and the cayenne, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and add wine and thyme. Return to heat, and cook, covered, until liquid reduces by half, about 6 minutes.
• Pulse chicken livers, pan juices, and remaining 10 tablespoons butter in a food processor until smooth. Season with coarse salt and pepper. Pour into pan, and smooth with an offset spatula; refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush baguette with oil, and toast until golden. Sprinkle with fleur de sel.
• Turn out pate from pan. Spread pate and quince jelly on crostini.

SPICE POACHED QUINCE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven at 120°C (convention)/ 100°C (fan-forced/convection).
• Peel the quince using a y-peeler. Place the quinces on a sturdy and heavy wooden board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the quinces into quarters. Using a combination of a paring knife and melon peeler, remove the pith and core of the quinces.
• Add sugar, bay leaf, star anise, vanilla, lemon zest and juice, honey and water to a wide oven-safe cooking pot. Simmer gently on medium-low heat for 5-8 minutes until the sugar has melted. Remove from heat and add all the quince quarters to the pot. Ensure that the quince slices are covered with the poaching liquid. Place a baking paper over the quinces and cover with the pot lid.
• Poach in a pre-heated oven at 120°C (convection)/ 100°C (fan-forced) for 4 hours.
• Remove from oven and cool completely. Scoop the poached quince slices gently from the pot and into a clean glass container. Top with some of the poaching liquid. Cover with an air-tight lid and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Strain and pour the remaining poaching liquid in glass jars. Cover with air-tight lids and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.