Pear Butter: A Deliciously Easy Canning Recipe
Pear butter is a versatile and delicious spread that can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even used as a glaze for meats. It's a wonderfully sweet and fragrant preserve that captures the essence of ripe pears. This article will guide you through the process of making and canning pear butter, so you can enjoy its goodness all year round.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Pear butter is made with just a few simple ingredients: pears, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice.
- Versatile Flavor: You can customize the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Long Shelf Life: When canned properly, pear butter can last for up to a year, making it a perfect pantry staple.
- Easy to Make: While it does require some cooking time, the process is fairly straightforward.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pears: Choose ripe, but not overly soft, pears. Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc are good choices.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is the most common choice, but you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and helps to preserve the color.
- Optional Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or a combination of spices can enhance the flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pears:
- Wash and peel the pears.
- Remove the core and cut the pears into chunks.
- For a smoother texture, you can also core and slice the pears thinly.
2. Cook the Pears:
- Combine the pears, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pears are very soft and mushy (about 30 minutes).
- Mash the pears with a potato masher or blend them with an immersion blender until you reach your desired texture.
3. Adjust the Consistency and Flavor:
- If the pear butter is too thick, add a little water. If it's too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Taste the pear butter and adjust the sweetness or add spices as desired.
4. Prepare the Jars:
- Wash the jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water and sterilize them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
5. Fill the Jars:
- Ladle the hot pear butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Remove air bubbles and wipe the rims clean.
- Secure the lids and rings.
6. Process the Jars:
- Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch.
- Bring the water to a boil, then gently lower the jars into the pot.
- Process the jars according to the recommended time for your altitude (usually 10-15 minutes for a water bath).
- Remove the jars carefully and let them cool completely.
7. Check the Seals:
- Once the jars have cooled, press down on the center of the lid. If it doesn't give, the jar is properly sealed.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe pears: This will ensure a sweet and flavorful pear butter.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked pear butter will become too thick and lose its bright color.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pear butter, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Experiment with spices: Add a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a more complex flavor.
- Sterilize your jars and lids: This will help to prevent spoilage.
- Follow the processing time carefully: This is essential for ensuring that the pear butter is properly sealed.
With these simple tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and versatile pear butter that you can enjoy all year long.
