Quince pie

Quince Pie - a fragrant and comforting delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will prepare a quince pie together, a dessert that combines the flavors of autumn fruits with the crispy texture of pastry sheets. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories and moments spent with loved ones.

The history of quince pie is closely linked to culinary traditions in many cultures, where seasonal fruits are transformed into delicious desserts, bringing joy to every meal. Quince pie is a perfect choice for holidays or for a leisurely afternoon, served alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 pack (500 g) pastry sheets
- 1 kg quinces
- 1 pear
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive, according to preferences)
- 250 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 20 g powdered sugar (for decoration)
- 1-2 tablespoons raisins
- 50 g walnut kernels
- 3 teaspoons rum essence

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the fruits: Start by peeling the quinces. They have an intense aroma and a firm texture that transforms into a delicacy when cooked. Grate them on a large grater and place them in a pot. Peel the pear and cut it into cubes, adding them to the same pot. Combining these fruits will give a balanced flavor to the pie.

2. Cooking the filling: Over low heat, add the sugar and vanilla sugar over the fruits. Stir occasionally until the quinces become soft. Use a wooden spoon to mix so as not to ruin the texture of the filling. When the fruits are soft enough, add the crushed nuts (you can use a rolling pin or a mortar to chop them), raisins, and rum essence. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are harmoniously integrated.

3. Assembling the pie: On a clean surface, unfold the pastry sheets. Drizzle the first sheet with oil, using a brush to spread it evenly. Layer another sheet on top and repeat the process. Evenly distribute about one-eighth of the fruit filling. Even distribution of the filling will ensure a well-balanced pie.

4. Forming the roll: Rolling the pie is an important step. Roll the sheet not too tightly, making sure to oil the areas where the sheets overlap, especially at the ends. This way, the pie will remain well sealed, and the filling will not leak during baking.

5. Baking the pie: Place the rolls in a greased baking tray, making sure to leave a little space between them. Brush the top with oil for a golden and crispy crust. For a special look, decorate the pie with slices of tangerines and pieces of nuts. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the pie is golden and crispy.

6. Finishing: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Cut the pie into not-too-large portions and place them on plates. It is ready to be enjoyed!

Useful tips:

- *For an even more intense flavor*, you can add some spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the fruit filling.
- *If you don’t have quinces on hand*, you can use apples or peaches, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar according to their sweetness.
- *Serving*: This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. An excellent option to add a contrast of textures!

Nutritional information (per estimated serving):

- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen pastry sheets? Yes, make sure to thaw them completely before use to avoid tearing.
2. How can I store the pie? You can keep the pie at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Is it possible to make the filling in advance? Sure! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This will intensify the flavors.

I conclude this recipe with a personal memory: I remember how my grandmother used to tell me how she made quince pie every autumn, choosing the most aromatic fruits from the orchard. By bringing this recipe into your life, you not only enjoy a delicious dessert but also continue a beautiful tradition. Happy cooking!