su-Quince Shrub Image
Photo: Thomas J. Story
Yields Serves 24 (makes 4 cups) Prep and Cook Time 3 hrs Chill Time 2 hrs Total Time 5 hrs
AuthorGillian Helquist, Healdsburg Shed, Healdsburg, California

Healdsburg Shed in Northern California is famous for its fermentation bar, where Gillian Helquist creates seasonal shrubs (fruit-based vinegar drinks). Try the strained fruit in a salad or dessert crisp, or serve it on a cheese plate.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Preheat oven to 350°. Make syrup: In a bowl, whisk wine, white wine vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Pour into a 9- by 13-in. glass or ceramic baking dish. Scrape seeds from vanilla pod into dish, then add pod and peppercorns.

Step 2
2

Slice quinces crosswise into 1/4-in. pieces and add to baking dish. Cover with parchment paper cut to fit, then tightly cover with foil. Bake until quinces are tender when pierced, about 2 1/2 hours.

Step 3
3

Strain syrup into a bowl and let cool; stir in Champagne vinegar. Transfer to a jar or bottle and chill until cold, at least 2 hours; stir before using.

Step 4
4

For shrub, pour 2 tbsp. syrup into an 8-oz. glass filled with ice. Add sparkling water, stir, and top with a lemon twist.

Ingredients

  SYRUP
 2 cups white wine, such as Chardonnay
 2 cups white wine vinegar
 3 cups sugar
 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
 1 1-in. vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise
 5 peppercorns
 1 1/2 pounds quinces (2 to 4), peeled, quartered, and cored
 1/2 cup Champagne vinegar
  SHRUB
  Sparkling water, chilled
  Lemon or lime twists

Directions

Step 1
1

Preheat oven to 350°. Make syrup: In a bowl, whisk wine, white wine vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Pour into a 9- by 13-in. glass or ceramic baking dish. Scrape seeds from vanilla pod into dish, then add pod and peppercorns.

Step 2
2

Slice quinces crosswise into 1/4-in. pieces and add to baking dish. Cover with parchment paper cut to fit, then tightly cover with foil. Bake until quinces are tender when pierced, about 2 1/2 hours.

Step 3
3

Strain syrup into a bowl and let cool; stir in Champagne vinegar. Transfer to a jar or bottle and chill until cold, at least 2 hours; stir before using.

Step 4
4

For shrub, pour 2 tbsp. syrup into an 8-oz. glass filled with ice. Add sparkling water, stir, and top with a lemon twist.

Quince Shrub

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