Ingredients

• 1 pound quinces (about 3 medium), peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/3-inch cubes (about scant 4 cups)
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider
• 1 1/2 cups chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dried currants
• 1/4 cup minced peeled fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 1 whole star anise*
• 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in heavy large saucepan; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 45 minutes. Discard star anise. (Can be made 4 days ahead. Cover; chill.)
2. *A brown star-shaped seedpod; available in the spice section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Asian markets.