Description
Pear preserves from Pioneer Woman bring Southern charm to breakfast tables with homemade sweetness. Crafted with ripe pears, warm spices, and simple techniques, you’ll savor this delightful spread on fresh toast or biscuits.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 ml) peeled, cored, and chopped pears (Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett)
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
Spices:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Acidic Component:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
Instructions
- Cube ripe pears into uniform chunks, ensuring they are free from blemishes and bruises. Measure sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and optional warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Combine pear chunks, granulated sugar (8 ounces / 226 grams), lemon juice (2 tablespoons / 30 milliliters), and selected spices in a heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan. Allow the mixture to rest for 30-40 minutes, enabling sugar to extract natural pear juices and create a preliminary syrup.
- Position saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently to dissolve sugar crystals completely. Gradually increase temperature, maintaining a gentle, consistent simmer without aggressive boiling.
- Continue cooking for 40-50 minutes, periodically stirring and monitoring consistency. Pears will gradually break down, transforming into a glossy, thick preserve with a deep amber hue.
- Test preserve’s readiness by placing a small amount on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle slightly when pushed with a fingertip, indicating perfect gel-like texture.
- Remove from heat, allowing preserves to rest and slightly cool for 5-7 minutes. Carefully ladle into sterilized glass jars, leaving 1/4-inch (6 millimeters) headspace to accommodate potential expansion.
- Securely seal jars with sterilized lids, processing in a rolling boiling water bath for 10 minutes to guarantee proper preservation and prevent potential bacterial growth.
- Transfer processed jars to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature naturally. Store in a dark, cool pantry for up to 12 months. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3-4 weeks.
Notes
- Let the magic of autumn unfold with homemade pear preserves that capture summer’s final sweetness.
- Ripe pears transform into a luxurious spread through careful selection and precise preparation.
- Uniform chopping creates a smooth texture that glides effortlessly across warm toast.
- Allowing sugar to mingle with pear juices develops an intensely rich flavor profile.
- Slow cooking caramelizes natural sugars, producing a deep, complex preserve that tells a delicious story.
- Gentle stirring prevents burning while ensuring even heat distribution for perfect consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 99 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg