Apple Quince Pie

Recipe by: Georgeanne Brennan | from Christmas Sweets: 65 Festive Recipes, Table Decorations, Sweet Gift Ideas

Cookstr

Course: Dessert

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by:

Quince, an old-fashioned fruit with a firm flesh and a bit of citrus taste, combines with apples and raisins to make a holiday pie that can be served warm on its own or with ice cream.

Yield: Makes one 9-inch pie; serves 6

INGREDIENTS

crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter
2 teaspoons distilled white or cider vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ cup ice water

filling:

2½ pounds tart apples such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
2 quinces, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices
½ cup raisins
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon freshly ground cloves
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
3 tablespoons softened butter, cut into small bits

Directions

To make the crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and butter, and process just until the mixture has a coarse, grainy texture. Add the vinegar and sugar and process to blend. Add the ice water and process just until a rough ball begins to form.

Remove, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 4 hours. Unwrap and let stand at room temperature for about 20 minutes to become pliable. Preheat an oven to 350° F.

On a floured work surface, divide the dough into 2 pieces, one slightly larger than the other. Roll the larger piece into a circle ¼ inch thick and about 12 inches in diameter. Loosely drape the circle over the rolling pin and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough into the pan, leaving at least a ½-inch overhang. Refrigerate while making the filling.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples, quinces, raisins, lemon zest, and juice. Sprinkle with the sugars, flour, cloves, and nutmeg; stir to mix well. Spoon the filling into the chilled pie crust, heaping it higher in the center. Scatter bits of butter over the top.

Roll the remaining dough out into an 11-inch circle. Drape the circle over the rolling pin and place it on top of the pie, Tuck the edges of the upper crust under those of the lower, pinching them together to seal them. Make three or four 1-inch slashes in the upper crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into wedges.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 661kcal (33%)

Calcium 46mg (5%)

Vitamin C 15mg (25%)

Vitamin A 249mcg RAE (8%)

Potassium 428mg

Magnesium 28mg

Protein 6g

Sugar 48g

Fiber 7g