SPAIN

Last week, I just missed the chance to purchase a 6.6 lb wheel of Senorio Montelarreina (Manchego) cheese. I have been sad all week, thinking how delicious at least a half-pound of this would have been with some quince paste.
So let's do the next best thing: make quince ratafia! Shred one quince into a jar. Add a bottle of vodka and a 1/4 cup of sugar. Let sit for a few weeks, then drain out the fruit and serve. You can use brandy, too, if you'd like. If you drink enough of it, you will forget about that 6.6 lb wheel of cheese...