This flavored after dinner liqueur can be made with any other fruit such as apricots, figs, peaches and pears.

3 quinces (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
300 grams sugar (about 1 ½ cups)
4 to 5 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 cups unflavored vodka
1/3 cup chardonnay

In a 2-litre glass jar, pack the chopped quinces and cover with the sugar. Add the whole cloves and cinnamon stick. Fill the jar to the rim with vodka. Put the lid on the jar and tilt it upside down a few times to mix the sugar, fruit and vodka. Set aside in the sun for 3 weeks, turning occasionally.

After 3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl and add chardonnay to mellow out the flavor. The liquid is now ready to drink and can be bottled.

The leftover fruit makes an excellent sauce for cakes or over ice cream.