I promise I don't only make liquor in my spare time

Yes, Ilva, this is for you! Since I have recently been (kindly) accused of being one "who is given to making alcoholic beverages" in my spare time, I figured that I might as well continue to be guilty of it! But isn't it pretty? That amber hue? And oh, if you could only smell it through your computer...redolent of apples and cinnamon and star anise and flowers on a summer day: Quince Brandy. This recipe came from Nigella Lawson's book, How to be a Domestic Goddess - one of my favorites. Actually, the purchase of this particular book spurned the alcohol-making fetish in me, as it's also where the Rhubarb Schnapps recipe came from.


I'm not a big brandy drinker - in fact, I've never had it before, except to add flavor to a cake, but this is pretty darn good...and I actually liked it much better than the brandy by itself. The quince mellows the sharp bite of the brandy, and gives it all those wonderful smells, while still retaining the brandy flavor. Loving Boyfriend said (what do I know about brandy?) that I was suppposed to put it in a snifter, hold it over a candle to get it slightly warm, swirl to release the aromas, and then drink it. This is me attempting to do this, sans snifter (Hey, give me a break! I'm a poor graduate student!), and even though it didn't get warm, I still like the picture!


The recipe, like the others, is simple: When you can get your hands on some quinces, cut them up into slices. Add a couple of cinnamon sticks, some star anise, and pack it all into a sterile glass jar (straight out of the dishwasher is fine - preferably still warm, but it really isn't that important since it's going to be filled with alcohol). Fill it to the top with brandy, tap it to release any air bubbles, screw on the lid, and viola! You're finished. Give it 6 weeks to 6 months in a cool, dark place, and then it's yours to enjoy. I waited about 4 months before dipping into this beauty, and it was worth the wait. You can even leave all the goodies in the jar - it makes a beautiful presentation, and would also make a nice gift.