Quince

The quinces in this stew are not combined with sugar and therefore will not change color. They require only 45 minutes of cooking time to become tender. This flavorful dish is even better when made a day ahead.

More pastry chefs are using spices typically associated with savories in their sweets. Here, Chinese five-spice powder, a blend of warm spices and aromatic flavorings, adds allure to a fruit filling.

There’s no substitute for quince, which is closely related to apples and pears. If you can’t find it fresh, look for a high-quality quince jam from a Middle Eastern market.

Quince is like a special giant fuzzy apple, worth taking advantage of when in season.