Quince and Mission Fig Preserves

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Rub quince with a damp paper towel to remove fuzz. Cut 4 quince (6 apples) into large pieces (no need to peel, core, or remove seeds). Place in a large heavy pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until quince are very soft, 60–75 minutes.

   Step 2

   Strain cooking liquid into a large bowl; discard quince. Wipe out pot; reserve.

   Step 3

   Plump figs in a small bowl of hot water until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain.

   Step 4

   Meanwhile, peel, core, and thinly slice remaining 2 quince. Add to quince pot along with lemon zest and juice, sugar, cardamom, figs, and reserved cooking liquid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and very gently boil, stirring often and skimming surface occasionally, until quince is translucent and a spoon dragged across pot leaves a line that quickly disappears, 25–30 minutes, or 40–50 minutes if using apples.

   Step 5

   Divide preserves among jars. Let cool; cover and chill.

   Step 6

   DO AHEAD: Preserves can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.