Summer Bliss in a Jar: Michigan Dutch Pear Perfection

Certainly! Here’s the recipe for Pear Preserves (Peren Conserf) inspired by the Michigan Dutch tradition, a delightful way to capture the essence of summer’s sweetness in a jar. This recipe comes straight from the US Regional Cookbook, Chicago Culinary Arts Institute, 1947, brimming with flavors that will transport you to a simpler time. 🍐✨

Pear Preserves (Peren Conserf)

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 10 1/2 pints

Ingredients

• 5 ripe pears
• 1 cup seedless raisins
• 1 lemon
• 1 dried fig
• 5 cups sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit

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   • Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and core the pears, removing any blemishes, and chop them into small pieces. 🍐
   • Next, finely chop the seedless raisins, the zest of the lemon, and the dried fig. These ingredients will add layers of flavor and texture to your preserves.

2. Combine and Cook

   • Once all your ingredients are prepped, combine the chopped pears, raisins, lemon zest, and fig in a large stainless steel kettle or pot. 🍋
   • Add the sugar to the fruit mixture, stirring well to combine everything evenly.
   • Place the kettle over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Cook Until Thick

   • Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. 🌟
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
   • Continue cooking until the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. This will take approximately 30-40 minutes. The preserves should coat the back of a spoon.

4. Sterilize Jars

   • While the preserves are cooking, prepare your canning jars. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water, and rinse well.
   • Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water for at least 10 minutes to sterilize them. Keep them in the hot water until ready to use.

5. Fill the Jars

   • Once the preserves have thickened to your liking, it’s time to fill the jars. Remove the sterilized jars from the hot water using tongs or a jar lifter. 🍯
   • Carefully ladle the hot preserves into the jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. This will allow room for expansion during processing.

6. Process the Jars

   • Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or residue. 🧽
   • Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands fingertip tight. This means just tight enough that they won’t loosen but not too tight.
   • Now, it’s time to process the jars. Place the filled jars back into the large pot of boiling water, making sure they are completely submerged.
   • Process half-pint and pint jars for 5 minutes, and quart jars for 10 minutes. This processing time ensures that the preserves are safely sealed and will last for a long time. 🕒

7. Cool and Store

   • After the processing time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using tongs or a jar lifter.
   • Place the hot jars on a clean kitchen towel or a wooden surface. Allow them to cool completely, undisturbed. 🌬️
   • As the jars cool, you may hear the satisfying “pop” sound of the lids sealing. This is a good sign that your preserves are safely canned.
   • Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lids. If the lids do not move or flex, they are sealed properly.
   • Label the jars with the date and store them in a cool, dark place. Your Pear Preserves (Peren Conserf) will keep for up to a year, but we doubt they’ll last that long once you taste them! 🏷️

Tips and Notes

• Canning Safety: If you’re new to canning or want a refresher on modern canning methods, visit this link for the most current information.
• Elevation Adjustment: If you live at a higher elevation (over 1000 feet above sea level), remember to add 1 additional minute of processing time for every 1000 feet. This ensures proper sealing of the jars.
• Variations: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. 🌿
• Enjoying Your Preserves: These Pear Preserves are perfect spread on toast, stirred into yogurt, or even drizzled over vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Get creative with how you use them!

This recipe for Pear Preserves (Peren Conserf) is a wonderful way to capture the flavors of summer and enjoy them all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or trying it for the first time, the sweet aroma and rich taste of these preserves will surely become a family favorite. 🌼 Happy canning!