Fragrant Poached Quince and Fresh Ginger Cookies
By Ellen Goldsmith
As we enter the Autumn season, our bodies ask for foods that are more warming and nourishing. These two recipes, bring the delights of the autumn season to you in the sweet form, warming your body while aiding digestion.
This delicious poached quince and ginger cookie recipe is found in my book Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine: +175 recipes for Optimal Health in the Winter Recipe section.
The unusual, ancient quince deserves a comeback in the kitchen. Its pink hue and bright fragrance is so nice, especially when the fruit is poached and served with these spicy cookies. Serves 4.
1 and 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/4 cup liquid honey
1 lb. quinces (about 2 medium)
Fresh Ginger Cookies ( see below)
In a medium nonreactive saucepan, stir apple juice with Quarter and core quince and cut into 1⁄4-inch (0.5 cm) thick slices, adding to saucepan as you go so quince does not turn brown.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer, stirring often, for 20 minutes or until very tender. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm before serving with cookies.
HEALTH TIP
The quince is known for its sweetness and astringent action on the body, making it a perfect treat for someone suffering from a mild digestive disturbance, diarrhea or a lingering cough . The aromatic and pungent spices in the poaching liquid and cookies ensure that this dish will warm you as it supports digestion.
Do not eat too much of this dessert, as it can be drying and exacerbate constipation.
From a Western medical perspective, the large amount of pectin in this fruit makes it an excellent choice for adding fiber to the diet and lowering cholesterol.
Fresh Ginger Cookies
Eat these zippy ginger cookies soon after they are baked to enjoy maximum crispiness . They soften quickly when stored. Makes 24 cookies.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees celsius) with racks positined in upper and lower thirds.
2 rimmed baking sheets, lined with parchment paper.
1 1/4 c. oat flour
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup ghee or coconut oil
1/4 cup unsulphured dark (cooking) molasses
2 tbsp. grated gingerroot
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
Pinch salt
1 large egg
In a large bowl, combine flour, coconut sugar, ghee, molasses, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, salt and Stir until well combined to make a soft dough. (The dough can be made up to this point, then wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator before continuing.)
If you have refrigerated the dough. Scrape dough onto a cutting board. Form into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick rectangle. Cut lengthwise into quarters. Cut crosswise into eighths to make 32 equal
Roll each piece into a ball and arrange on prepared Cover balls with parchment paper and press to flatten to scant 1⁄2-inch (1 cm) thickness. Remove top sheet of parchment.
Bake on upper and lower racks in preheated oven for 5 Rotate and switch pans and bake for 5 to 7 minutes more or until edges are lightly browned and tops look dry.
Transfer pans to wire racks and let cool.
Roll each piece into a ball and arrange on prepared. Cover balls with parchment paper and press to flatten to scant 1⁄2-inch (1 cm) thickness. Remove top sheet of parchment.
Bake on upper and lower racks in preheated oven for 5 Rotate and switch pans and bake for 5 to 7 minutes more or until edges are lightly browned and tops look dry.
Transfer pans to wire racks and let cool completely.
Enjoy!
To see more recipes, purchase Ellen’s book here or on Amazon here. Makes a great gift!
All rights reserved: Nutritional Healing with Chinese Medicine: + 175 Recipes for Optimal Health, Ellen Goldsmith, MSOM, L.Ac., Dip.C.H., with Maya Klein, Ph.D. ©
CHINESE HERBALIST & LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST
Ellen Goldsmith is a nationally board certified, licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. Her integrative body centered and intuitive approach is grounded in decades of study and experience which are key to collaborating and working with people to help them reach their goals.
She is known for her enduring confidence that each person has the power within to resolve challenges, grow and heal.
From working with AIDS patients in the 80s, to trauma survivors, to performing artists, to high functioning professionals, elders and young people, Ellen is deeply equipped to guide people through challenging issues.
