How to make
The quinces are washed under running water and their mossy covering is removed. Cut them into 6 pieces. Cut the lemon into quarters.
Boil enough water in a pot. Pour in the fruit, spices and cut the lemon. Leave them to boil, then reduce the heat and leave them for 15/20 minutes or until the fruit have softened. Remove the spices with a slotted spoon.
The water is strained and it can be kept. When you add a little sugar to it, it will become a wonderful fresh drink.
Return the quinces into the pot and sprinkle them with the sugar. They are left on a moderate heat to boil for 1 hour.
The first 30 minutes, they are stirred periodically, but after that, the stirring is constant, because the mixture is already heavy and thick and will immediately stick to the bottom of the pot and burn.
After 60 minutes, remove it from heat and blend with a liquidizer, until a very smooth mixture is obtained. Place it back onto the hob again for 10 minutes, by stirring constantly, so that the little liquid, if any, remains will evaporate.
The finished mixture is poured into a mold covered with foil and is left to dry for 1 day. Then it is taken out and left in an airy place for 2-3 days, in order to dry.
It can be cut into small pieces and rolled in coconut or granulated sugar. It is usually wrapped in baking paper and left in a cool and airy place. The marmalade is kept up to 6 months, sugar is a preservative.
