Pear Butter Recipe

Place pears into a large pot over medium heat and add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot and keep them from sticking about 1/2 cup. Cook until the pears are soft about 30 minutes. Press pears through a sieve or food mill and measure out 2 quarts of the pulp.

Pour the pear pulp and sugar into a large saucepan and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in the orange zest nutmeg and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is thick enough to mound in a spoon. When the mixture begins to thicken stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. This will take about 1 hour.

Ladle the pear butter into hot sterile jars leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles by sliding a metal spatula around where the pear butter touches the glass. Wipe jar rims clean and seal with lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. The water should cover the jars by 1 inch. Check with your local extension for exact processing times for your area.