Pear Butter

Ingredients

• 4 pounds medium pears , quartered and cored
• 0.5 cups water , or as needed
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.25 cups orange juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients.

2. 2

   Place pears into a large pot over medium heat; add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot and keep them from sticking, about 1/2 cup. Cook until the pears are soft, about 30 minutes.

3. 3

   Press pears through a sieve or food mill, and measure out 2 quarts of the pulp.

4. 4

   Pour pear pulp and sugar into a large saucepan and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in orange zest, nutmeg, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until mixture is thick enough to mound in a spoon.

5. 5

   When mixture begins to thicken, stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. This process will take about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Ladle pear butter into hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles by sliding a metal spatula around where the pear butter touches the glass. Wipe jar rims clean, and seal with lids and rings.

7. 7

   Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. The water should cover the jars by 1 inch. Check with your local extension for exact processing times for your area.

8. 8

   Enjoy!