Quinces a Must for Croatian Christmas Candy

Have you ever seen a quince? It looks like a cross between a Golden Delicious apple and a pear. When you cut into one, it looks like an apple, with the same core and seed structure but, whatever you do, don't take a bite! They're very astringent and not meant for eating out of hand. The cool thing is that when this pale-colored fruit is cooked, the flesh turns orange-red. Magic!

The Balkan peoples are very fond of quinces in candy, preserves, jams, jellies, butters, chutneys and baked with apples and pears. Croatians call quince candy kotonjata or Christmas candy. It's a delightful jellied candy like a soft gum drop but with a sweet-tart taste. If your grocer doesn't carry quinces, you can buy online from Melissa's World Variety Produce. Check out these recipes.

• Quince Candy Recipe
  
  
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Quince Candy
  
  
• Quince Butter Recipe