I also posted this on Jamies site, just thought those of you who are not regulars there would see it here.

Quinces are one of those wondrful old fashioned fruits that are making a comeback.

For those of you who have seen them in the shops and would like an easy to prepare recipe here is an old family favourite that I made up years ago when I lived in a house with a tree growing in the backyard.

Easy quince sponge pudding.

3 or 4 quinces peeled and chopped into bite size pieces.
2- 3 cups water to cover
1/2 - 3/4 cup sugar
squeeze lemon juice
a few drops vanilla

Put all the above in a non reactive pan and bring to a boil, turn down the heat to a light simmer and cook 3-4 hours or until the quinces are a ruby colour. Put into a oven proof dish with a little of the syrup (approx 1/4 cup) to add moisture.
(keep the remaining syrup aside to pour over icecream or whatever you feel like)

Sponge Topping

60g(2oz) butter
1/4 cup castor sugar
1 egg
1/2 ts Vanilla
1 cup self raising flour
1/3 cup milk

Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla and egg and beat together. Stir in sifted flour alternating with the milk.

Pour over the hot quinces

Bake in oven 190-200C 375-400F 25 - 30 mins or until golden.

Serve with cream, ice cream or custard.

Remember that quinces really benefit from long slow cooking with brings out their beautiful colours and flavours.

If you have a heap of quinces, cook them all up as above and they freeze well in serving size containers. Then you can just take out what you you need