Pear Amber Jam Recipe – A Sweet and Tangy Spread for Any Occasion
Welcome to another delightful and easy recipe from Love With Recipes! This Pear Amber Jam is a perfect blend of sweet pears, citrusy orange, and a touch of maraschino cherries to add a burst of color and flavor to your breakfast table or dessert spreads. With only 18 minutes of total preparation time, this jam is a quick and simple way to create a homemade preserve that will surely impress. Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned pro, this Pear Amber Jam is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To make approximately 10 1/2-pint jars of Pear Amber Jam, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bartlett pears | 4 |
| Orange (zested and juiced) | 1 |
| Crushed pineapple (drained) | 1 cup |
| Maraschino cherries (drained and chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 6 cups |
| Powdered pectin | 1 package |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
The following nutritional information is based on an estimated serving size of 1 tablespoon of Pear Amber Jam:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 53.25 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0.01 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1.99 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13.85 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.34 g |
| Sugar Content | 12.55 g |
| Protein Content | 0.05 g |
Directions
Step 1: Measure and Prepare Ingredients
- Begin by measuring the sugar and setting it aside. This ensures that you’re ready when it’s time to add the sweetener. Next, zest and juice the orange, ensuring to catch all the fragrant oils in the zest. Peel and core the Bartlett pears, then chop them into small pieces. Drain the crushed pineapple and set it aside in a bowl. Lastly, drain the maraschino cherries and chop them into small bits, giving your jam a pop of color.
Step 2: Boil the Fruit
- In a large saucepan, combine the chopped pears, orange zest and juice, crushed pineapple, and chopped maraschino cherries. Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow the fruit to cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. At this stage, the mixture will begin to soften and release its juices.
Step 3: Add Pectin and Sugar
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Once the fruit has softened, sprinkle the powdered pectin into the boiling mixture, stirring constantly to ensure it dissolves evenly. Continue to cook the fruit and pectin mixture for another minute to fully activate the pectin. Next, add the sugar, stirring it in until the jam mixture is completely combined. Stir continuously to prevent any sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Now, raise the heat to the highest setting and bring the jam to a full boil that cannot be stirred down. This means the boiling should continue even when you stir the mixture. Allow it to boil for exactly 4 minutes to reach the right consistency. If you’re unsure, you can check the thickness by placing a spoonful of the jam on a chilled plate. After it cools for a few seconds, run your finger through it to check if it wrinkles, which means it’s set.
Step 4: Cool and Skim
- Once the jam has reached the right consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, stirring gently to prevent the fruit from floating to the top. This is also a good time to skim off any foam from the surface of the jam, which can give it a clearer and more polished appearance once jarred.
Step 5: Jar the Jam
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Carefully pour the jam into clean ½-pint jelly jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Use a ladle and a funnel to avoid spilling, and ensure that the jars are filled to the proper level. Once all the jam is in jars, seal the lids tightly.
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For extra freshness and longevity, you may process the jars in a water bath canner. However, this jam can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks without canning.
Tips and Variations
- Storage: If you plan to can your jam, ensure you follow proper canning instructions. Otherwise, refrigerate the jars for immediate use.
- Flavor Enhancements: For a twist, try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit mixture before boiling. This will give your Pear Amber Jam a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall or winter spreads.
- Perfect Pairings: This jam is delightful when spread over warm toast, paired with cheese for a charcuterie board, or used as a topping for pancakes and waffles. It also works wonders as a filling for pastries or as a glaze for meats like roasted chicken or pork.
Summary
This Pear Amber Jam recipe is an excellent choice for those looking to make a quick, flavorful spread that showcases the natural sweetness of pears, complemented by the tangy freshness of orange and pineapple. The vibrant color and delightful flavor profile make it perfect for spreading on toast, using in desserts, or as a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire. This simple recipe is also a wonderful introduction to canning and preserving, providing a homemade alternative to store-bought jams.
Enjoy this treat from Love With Recipes, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family for a delightful homemade gift!
