Pear Jam Delight is a treat for all seasons. This delightful recipe brings out the natural sweetness of ripe pears, combined with the warmth of spices, hitting a perfect balance between sweet and spicy. It's a fantastic way to use the season's bounty and have a homemade jam that's way superior to store-bought ones.
Most of the ingredients for Pear Jam Delight are common pantry items. However, you may need to look out for powdered fruit pectin, which is a natural setting agent used in jams and jellies. You can usually find this in the baking or canning section of your local supermarket.
Ingredients for Making Pear Jam Delight
Pears: The star of this recipe, ripe pears provide natural sweetness and a rich, fruity base.
Powdered fruit pectin: This helps thicken the jam, giving it a delightful spreadable consistency.
Cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth to the jam, making it a true delight.
Lemon juice: This adds a bit of tanginess to counterbalance the sweetness of the pears and sugar.
White sugar: This sweetens the jam. You could also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.
Butter: A small amount of butter is used to reduce foaming during the cooking process.
One reader, Coralie Hunt says:
This pear jam delight recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices and lemon juice gives it a unique and delightful flavor. It's easy to make and the end result is absolutely delicious. I love spreading it on toast or pairing it with cheese. It's a must-try!
Mastering the Techniques for Perfect Pear Jam Delight
How to sterilize the jars and lids: Sterilizing the jars and lids is essential to prevent any contamination in the jam. To do this, place the jars and lids in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Let them boil for at least 5 minutes before using them for packing the jam.
How to pack the pear jam into the jars: After the jam is prepared, carefully ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Use a knife or spatula to remove any air bubbles and ensure the jam is evenly distributed in the jars.
How to process the jars in a boiling water bath: Processing the filled jars in a boiling water bath is crucial for preserving the jam. Place the filled jars in a large stockpot with a rack at the bottom, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cover the jars with boiling water, making sure there is at least 1 inch of water above the jar tops. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes.
How to check the seal of the jars: After removing the jars from the stockpot and allowing them to cool, it's important to check the seal. Press the top of each lid with a finger to ensure it is tight and does not move up or down. This step verifies that the jars are properly sealed for storage.
How To Make Pear Jam
Enjoy the mild and sweet flavors of pears with a spiced pear jam! It’s made with fall spices and lemon juice for an exquisite spread over scones and toast.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4½cupsripe pears,mashed
- 3tbsppowdered fruit pectin
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ½tspground cloves
- ½tspground allspice
- ½tspground nutmeg
- ¼cuplemon juice
- 7½cupswhite sugar
- 1tspbutter
Instructions
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Mix the pears, fruit pectin, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large heavy pot. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
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Add sugar all at once, stirring, and bring back to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute. Mix in butter to settle foam.
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Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes.
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Pack the pear jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars within ¼-inch of the top.
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Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw-on rings.
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Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder.
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Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water, if necessary, to bring the water level to at least 1-inch above the tops of the jars.
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Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
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Remove the jars from the stockpot and place them onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight, the lid does not move up or down at all.
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Serve with bread and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 97.54kcal
- Fat: 0.09g
- Saturated Fat: 0.05g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 25.12g
- Fiber: 0.35g
- Sugar: 24.38g
- Protein: 0.05g
- Cholesterol: 0.16mg
- Sodium: 0.44mg
- Calcium: 1.89mg
- Potassium: 14.00mg
- Iron: 0.04mg
- Vitamin A: 0.77µg
- Vitamin C: 0.81mg
Expert Technique Tip for Crafting Pear Jam Delight
When making pear jam, it's important to choose ripe pears as they have a naturally sweet flavor and will break down more easily during the cooking process. Also, remember to stir the mixture constantly while it's boiling to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. If the jam seems too runny after boiling, don't worry. It will thicken up as it cools. Lastly, sterilizing the jars is a crucial step in preserving the jam. This process kills any bacteria, yeast, or molds that could cause the jam to spoil.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pear Jam Delight Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to save time and avoid last-minute stress.
One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger quantity of the recipe and freezing the extra portions for future quick and easy meals.
Time-saving tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to streamline the cooking process.
Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan and prep as much as you can in advance to save time during the week.
Substitute Ingredients For Pear Jam Recipe
ripe pears - Substitute with ripe apples: Ripe apples can be used as a substitute for ripe pears in jams, as they have a similar texture and sweetness.
powdered fruit pectin - Substitute with liquid pectin: Liquid pectin can be used as a substitute for powdered fruit pectin, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom can be used as a substitute for ground cinnamon, adding a warm, citrusy flavor to the jam.
ground cloves - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice can be used as a substitute for ground cloves, providing a similar warm and aromatic flavor.
ground allspice - Substitute with ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves: A combination of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves can be used as a substitute for ground allspice, providing a similar flavor profile.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground mace: Ground mace, the outer covering of the nutmeg seed, can be used as a substitute for ground nutmeg, offering a similar warm and slightly sweet flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, providing a slightly different citrus flavor to the jam.
white sugar - Substitute with brown sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for white sugar, adding a hint of caramel flavor to the jam.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter to reduce the saturated fat content in the recipe.
Presenting Pear Jam Delight: Tips for a Beautiful Display
Elevate the pear jam: Use a small, delicate spoon to carefully place the pear jam on the plate, creating a neat and visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh pear slices: Thinly slice fresh pears and arrange them artistically around the pear jam to add a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of honey: Lightly drizzle a small amount of high-quality honey around the pear jam to enhance the natural sweetness and add a glossy finish to the presentation.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the pear jam alongside freshly baked artisanal bread, carefully sliced and arranged on a wooden board for a rustic yet sophisticated touch.
Use fine china or porcelain: Present the pear jam on a pristine, high-quality plate to showcase the vibrant color and texture of the jam, elevating the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pear Jam Delight
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of food preparation tasks.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle used for making sauces, boiling or heating liquids, and cooking food.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made from wood, often used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Canning jars: Glass jars used for preserving jams, jellies, and other canned goods.
- Stockpot: A large pot with a lid and a handle, used for making stocks, soups, and boiling large quantities of liquid.
- Canning rack: A rack used to hold and lower canning jars into boiling water for processing.
- Jar lifter: A specialized tool used to safely lift and remove hot canning jars from boiling water.
- Boiling water canner: A large pot or canner used for processing canned goods by submerging jars in boiling water.
- Food thermometer: A thermometer used to measure the temperature of food and liquids, essential for canning and preserving.
Storing and Freezing Pear Jam Delight: A Guide
Once the pear jam has cooled completely, you can store it in a cool, dry place for up to one year. Make sure to label the jars with the date and contents.
If you want to freeze the pear jam, use freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
When freezing, the jam may change in texture and consistency, but it will still be safe to eat. Frozen pear jam can be stored for up to six months.
To thaw frozen pear jam, place the container in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, consume within one month and store in the refrigerator.
If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as mold, off-odors, or a change in color or texture, discard the jam immediately, regardless of whether it was stored in the pantry or freezer.
How To Reheat Leftover Pear Jam Delight
Reheat the pear jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the jam is heated evenly and doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
For a quick and easy approach, microwave the leftover pear jam in a microwave-safe container. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the jam, as it can cause it to become too runny or lose its flavor.
If you want to add a twist to your leftover pear jam, try warming it up and serving it over vanilla ice cream or yogurt. The combination of warm, spiced jam and cool, creamy ice cream or yogurt creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
For a more indulgent treat, use the reheated pear jam as a filling for pastries, such as croissants, danishes, or tarts. Simply slice open the pastry, spoon in the warm jam, and enjoy the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, spiced pear filling.
Create a quick and easy pear compote by reheating the leftover pear jam with some additional diced pears and a splash of orange juice or brandy. Simmer the mixture until the pears are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve this warm compote over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
Fascinating Facts About Pear Jam Delight
The pear jam delight recipe is a great way to preserve the delicious flavor of ripe pears. It's a fantastic source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, making it a healthy and tasty addition to your breakfast or snack. Pears are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support overall health. Enjoying this homemade pear jam can be a delightful way to incorporate more fruit into your diet and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Is Making Pear Jam Delight at Home Cost-Effective?
This pear jam delight recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Pears are generally affordable, and the addition of common pantry spices and sugar keeps the overall cost low. The yield from this recipe is substantial, providing a large quantity of delicious jam for a minimal cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Pear Jam Delight Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pear jam delight recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content. With 7½ cups of white sugar, this jam is essentially a concentrated source of simple carbohydrates, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and potential health issues if consumed in excess. The recipe also lacks any significant sources of protein, fiber, or healthy fats, making it a less balanced food choice.
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients:
- Pears provide some dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg offer antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties
- Lemon juice adds a small amount of vitamin C
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of sugar by half or more, depending on the sweetness of the pears and personal taste preferences
- Experiment with natural sugar alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or date syrup, which may provide some additional nutrients
- Increase the amount of pears used to boost the fiber content and reduce the overall sugar-to-fruit ratio
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the jam for a dose of healthy fats and protein
- Serve the jam in smaller portions and pair it with whole-grain bread or crackers to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the snack or meal
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on the Pear Jam Delight Recipe
The pear jam delight recipe is a delightful combination of ripe pears, warm spices, and sweet sugar, creating a rich and flavorful jam. The addition of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg adds a warm and aromatic touch, while the lemon juice provides a hint of brightness. The process of canning the jam ensures its long-lasting enjoyment, making it a perfect addition to any pantry. Enjoy this pear jam spread on toast, paired with cheese, or as a sweet filling for pastries. It's a versatile and delicious treat that will surely delight your taste buds.
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