Old-Time Pear Preserves 🍐
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Old-Time Pear Preserves
- Category: Spreads
- Keywords: Pears, Fruit, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Canning, Easy
- Rating: 4.5 ⭐ (based on 4 reviews)
- Calories: 1556.3
- Fat Content: 0.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 4.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 404.5g
- Fiber Content: 14.1g
- Sugar Content: 377.9g
- Protein Content: 1.8g
- Servings: Yield: 6 pints
Ingredients:
- 6 pears
- 10 cups sugar
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
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Peel and Dice Pears: Start by peeling and dicing the pears. Make sure to remove any seeds or tough parts.
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Cover with Sugar: Place the diced pears in a large pot and cover them with the 10 cups of sugar. Ensure all the pears are well coated.
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Let Set Overnight: Allow the pears to sit overnight in the sugar. This will help draw out their natural juices and flavors.
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Add Lemon Juice and Boil: The next day, add the 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pot with the pears and sugar. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 to 6 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The preserves should turn a light brown color and thicken as they cook.
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Reboil and Seal: After simmering, bring the preserves back to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, quickly ladle the hot preserves into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
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Invert Jars: For a no-fail seal, invert the sealed jars for 5 minutes. This helps create a vacuum seal that keeps the preserves fresh.
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Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed jars can be stored for several months.
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Enjoy: Spread this delicious old-time pear preserves on toast, biscuits, or use it as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. Share with friends and family or keep it all to yourself for a sweet treat anytime!
Cooking Times:
Step | Time |
---|---|
Peel and Dice Pears | 25 minutes |
Let Set Overnight | 8-12 hours |
Simmer | 5-6 hours |
Reboil and Seal | 15 minutes |
Invert Jars | 5 minutes |
Cool and Store | – |
Tips:
- Use ripe but firm pears for the best flavor and texture in your preserves.
- Sterilize jars and lids before filling them with preserves to ensure they stay fresh longer.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference and the sweetness of the pears.
- Be patient while simmering the preserves; low and slow cooking helps develop rich flavors and a perfect consistency.
- Label your jars with the date so you can keep track of when they were made and enjoy them at their best quality.
Conclusion:
Old-Time Pear Preserves are a delightful way to capture the sweet essence of ripe pears and enjoy their flavor all year round. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create jars of delicious preserves that are perfect for spreading on your favorite baked goods or gifting to loved ones. Give this recipe a try and savor the taste of homemade goodness! 🍐✨