Poached Quince Salad

Salty ham, buttery cheese, and rich almonds play up the delicate sweetness of the honey-poached quinces in this sweet-savory salad. For the best results, use Marcona almonds, which are fried salted almonds imported from Spain.

For the poached quinces

• 1 lb. quinces (about 2 medium)
• 2 T bs. honey
• 2 strips lemon zest (each 1/2 x 2 inches)

For the salad

• 4 cups mâche or baby arugula
• 4 oz. thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto,cut into 1/4-inch-wide ribbons
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped toasted, salted almonds
• 1 to 2 oz. firm, mild-flavored cheese,such as Manchego or Asiago, shaved into small pieces (using a vegetable peeler)
• 4 tsp. balsamic vinegar, preferably aged 12 to 25 years

Make the poached quinces

Peel, quarter, and core each quince. Put the quinces, honey, and lemon zest in a 3-quart saucepan. Add enough water to cover the quinces by 1 inch (about 1-1/2 quarts). Bring to a boil over mediumhigh heat. Put a plate or a lid that’s smaller than the saucepan on the quinces to submerge them. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the quinces are tender when pierced with a knife, about 45 minutes. Let them cool in the cooking liquid.

Assemble the salads

Toss the mâche or arugula, ham, and olive oil in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide the salad evenly among 4 plates. Slice the quinces and arrange on each plate. Sprinkle the almonds and cheese on top. Drizzle each salad with 1 tsp. of the balsamic vinegar.