Diana Henry's : Pickled Quinces and Fig and Pomegranate Jam

Inspired by Ren's (Ren Behan's Fabulicious Foods)  reviews of Diana Henry's  book, salt sugar smoke,  I decided to order it.  I  love making preserves and they have the added bonus of being superb gifts, so I  think it is  great to spend some time making extras.

I saw some Quinces, by chance, in Waitrose, and bought a bowlful.  Unlike soft fruits and  some other orchard fruit, they will sit happily for a while until you are ready to use them.

I looked through the book and along with my annual Quince Vodka, I decided to use some of the fruit to make pickled Quinces, I can imagine them being delicious with cold hams and turkey over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

I followed the recipe, and the resulting jars of Pickled Quinces certainly look fantastic, with an added bonus:  I was able to strain the cider vinegar I had used for pickling and now have a delectable Quince Vinegar, which has really enhance several salad dressings.

Several people including both Ren, here, and Choclette, here, have already blogged the Fig and Pomegranate Jam, and I have to join my voice with theirs in praising it.  As well as a stunningly beautiful jam, it tastes superb.

In fact the jam is perfect, and I will be making it every autumn in future, as soon as I see figs on offer, I'll be stocking up and making jars and jars of this  scrumptious jam.

An aromatic bowl of quinces

Making the pickled quinces

And as well as fairtrade sugar, I was able to use fairtrade spices

Spices, cider and lemon warming in the pan

With the quinces

And here's a photo or two of the fig jam being made, the colours are glorious!

Even before it was cooked I knew it would be fabulous

Bubbling away perfectly

I think it is   wonderful to produce such delights in my own
homely kitchen

Three jars of each
that's six for me!

I love that the quinces have retained their shape

Whilst the fig and pomegranate have melded into
something new and marvellous

And here's my bonus!
Quince infused cider vinegar, perfect in salad dressings!

Simple, perfect, homemade produce
what Autumn should be about.

 I think I will be using the book regularly, particularly for jam recipes. There are some stunning combinations which I look forward to making next summer.