One of my favorite Turkish Desserts is Ayva Tatlisi, also known as Quince Dessert. It is a light dessert that is not too sweet. I found these quince at the Buford Highway Farmer’s Market a couple of weeks ago when my sister and I went to Atlanta. The kaymak, which is Turkish Cream, I found at Bakkal International, my favorite Turkish market. I actually, made this a few weeks ago but unfortunately have just gotten around to posting the recipe. I hope you like it as much as we do. Afiyet olsun!
Ayva Tatlisi - Quince Dessert
A light and refreshing Turkish dessert.
Author: April Ozbilgin
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients
- 5 Quince
- 1½ Cups Sugar
- 1 Lemon, Juiced
- 2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 5-6 Whole Cloves
- 1 Cup Water, plus additional water to cover the quinces while you peel them all
- 1 Container Kaymak
- 4 Tablespoons Crushed Pistachios
Instructions
- Juice the lemon and place in a bowl large enough to hold all the quinces.
- Pour in about 2 quarts of water or just enough to cover the quinces once you peel them.
- Peel each quince then cut in half and remove the core.
- Save the seeds and place in the pan that you will be using to cook the quince.
- As you peel and core the quinces, place them in the lemon water making sure they are covered by the lemon water.
- Once you have finished peeling all the fruit, place them in the pan with the seeds.
- Pour the sugar over the quinces and then add the water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Cook until the quinces are tender.
- Let cool, then place on serving dish.
- Place kaymak in the center of each of quince, spoon the syrup from the pot over the quince and sprinkle with crushed Pistachios. Afiyet olsun.
