Roast Quince

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the half-and-half and whipping cream in a small saucepan. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise. With the tip of a knife, scrape the tiny seeds along the inside of the vanilla bean into the cream. Add the pod halves. Whisk a few times and heat to a simmer. Turn off heat and let stand 10 minutes to steep before removing the pod.
2. 2
   Combine the sugar and cornstarch and whisk into the cream. Heat to a boil, stirring occasionally. Simmer 1 minute. Quickly whisk the egg yolks into the cream mixture, then remove the mixture from the heat and strain. Cover and let the creme anglaise stand while preparing the quince.
3. 3
   Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
4. 4
   Place the quince in a small pan. Bake until tender, 1 hour, turning the quince during roasting to prevent any burned spots. Remove from the oven, cut into quarters and remove the seeds.
5. 5
   Meanwhile, heat the broiler. Place the quince on a shallow tray or baking pan, drizzle with the butter, then sprinkle with the sugar. Broil until the sugar melts and the wedges begin to brown around the edges, 3 to 4 minutes. Grate a little fresh nutmeg over the top.
6. 6
   Arrange 4 pieces of quince on each plate. Garnish with more grated nutmeg and drizzle with the creme anglaise.