Santa Teresa Membrilo

Membrilo is listed as a snack from Santa Teresa. The name matches the Spanish word for quince, and products sold under it are typically a firm, sliceable quince paste. The listing gives no ingredients, weight, or tasting notes, so what follows describes what to expect from the style and is not a measured profile of this product. Quince paste usually has a dense, sliceable texture, a deep amber to rose colour, and a flavour that sits between apple and pear, with floral notes and a tart edge that stops the sweetness from getting heavy. It is normally served at room temperature, because chilling firms it up and mutes the fruit. Cut it into thin slabs or small squares about a centimetre thick. The classic partner is cheese. Aged Manchego is the traditional match, and the paste's sweetness offsets the salty, nutty cheese. Other good options are a creamy blue, a washed-rind cheese, or a mild goat cheese. It also works on a cracker or toasted bread with cured ham, or spread thinly in a cheese sandwich. Santa Teresa is best known as a rum producer, so an aged rum served neat in a small tulip glass or a short tumbler is a reasonable drink to put beside a board of this. Nothing in the listing says the two are officially paired, though. A dry sherry or a light red would also suit the style. Serve the paste on a wooden board or small plate with a knife, and keep the pieces small so each bite combines paste and cheese.