Simply Quince

Written in simple, direct language, "Simply Quince" is reference book on all things quince. The recipes are well organized with clear directions and helpful comments. Ghazarian eloquently describes quince's long history, adding insight from her Armenian roots and her enthusiasm for the fruit. Although it is not an easy fruit to process, Ghazarian simplifies the procedure. For those who want to go beyond just cooking with quince, there are excellent references to quince varieties, nurseries and even weights and measures for quince. I've already made 10 of the recipes and am looking forward to cooking through many more! Oh yes, the cover picture and recipe photos are truly enticing.

Who knew quince could be so versatile? Who knew much about quince anyway? At least here in much of the U.S., the quince is not exactly a mainstream ingredient; however, after reading this book (and it is a book to read as well as to cook with!), I found myself craving quince. This is, quite simply, a wonderful book full of background information on this forgotten fruit, and the recipes are both sophisticated and, as implied by the title, simple to follow!

The quince is a seriously underestimated and all-to-often underappreciated fruit that, culinarily speaking, is as versatile as the apple, is a staple in the orchards and kitchens of many different countries and cultures around the world. It was first cultivated in American by the early European colonists. A fuzz-covered and aromatic cousin of pears and apples, most of us know the quince primarily as a jam. But as Barbara Ghazarian amply demonstrated in "Simply Quince", it can be so much more! Comprising seventy 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes that range from Quince-Orange Pickles; Quince-Cranberry Sauce; Veal Shanks with Prunes, Apricots, and Quince; and Brandied-Quince Buckle; to Buttery Almond-Quince Phyllo Tarts; Quick Quince Chutney; and White Pizza with Quince, Prosciutto, Asiago Cheese and Chives; Quince-Infused Spirits Grappa and Vodka, "Simply Quince" offers an impressively broad spectrum of quince oriented dishes that will satisfy even the most gourmet of tastes and is a highly recommended and unique addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.