Quince, a fruit reminiscent of apples, pairs wonderfully with the sharp, Spanish Manchego cheese. This delightful combination is a common dessert in Spain and a popular tapa. When quince is transformed into paste, it's known as dulce de membrillo, and it's readily available in specialty food stores in the United States. This harmonious blend of flavors can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a dessert.
Manchego Cheese with Quince Paste
Quince, a fruit reminiscent of apples, pairs wonderfully with the sharp, Spanish Manchego cheese. This delightful combination is a common dessert in Spain and a popular tapa. When quince is transformed into paste, it’s known as dulce de membrillo, and it’s readily available in specialty food stores in the United States. This harmonious blend of flavors can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a dessert.
Ingredients
Yields 6 Servings
- 2 1/4-pound wedges of aged Manchego cheese or other aged sheep’s milk cheese
- 1/2 pound quince paste membrillo or quince marmalade
Instructions
- Trim the rind from each cheese wedge.
- Lay each wedge on its side and slice it into 1/4-inch-thick triangles.
- Slice the quince paste into triangles of the same size and arrange them on top of the cheese.
- If using quince marmalade, spread it evenly over the cheese.
Notes & Wine Advice
You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Serve it at room temperature.
Enjoy the delightful combination of Manchego cheese and quince paste, perfect for savoring before or after a meal.