Amazing Homemade Pear Jam Recipe – Try it Now!
My dearest readers, I hope this message finds you in good spirits and with a sweet tooth for some delicious homemade preserves. Today, I invite you to travel with me to the South, where the sun shines bright upon golden fields of ripe pears, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly made jam.
As some of you may know, my heart and my skillet lie in southern-style cuisine, and this recipe for Southern Pear Jam holds a special place in both. It brings together the rich flavors of garden-fresh pears, delicate spices like cinnamon and allspice, and a touch of tartness from freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Prepare to savor your taste buds with every spoonful of this luscious jam that perfectly balances sweetness and acidity. Not only it’s easy to make at home, but it also has a long shelf life, making it an ideal choice for canning enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates the simple pleasures of homemade treats.
I urge you to give this recipe a try; it may become your new go-to for breakfast toast toppings, midday snack spreads or even as gifts for loved ones. Let’s get cooking and let the aroma of simmering pears take over our kitchens – shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the taste of southern-style cuisine, then this Southern Pear Jam recipe is just perfect for you. The combination of fresh pears, allspice, and cinnamon, and sugar creates a jam that’s both sweet and spicy at the same time.
But that’s not all – this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can spread it over toast or biscuits or use it to accompany a cheese plate. It also pairs well with meats and poultry. The possibilities are endless!
Aside from its delectable taste, this Pear Jam recipe is also very easy to make. All you need are fresh pears, sugar, lemon juice, and some spices. You can even use different types of pears to create variations in flavor.
If you’re looking for a way to preserve fresh pears or want to add a sweet twist to your meal, this Southern Pear Jam recipe is absolutely worth trying. You’ll love its homemade taste and be surprised by how easy and quick it is to make!
Ingredient List
Before we start making this delightful and scrumptious Southern Pear Jam, I would like to go over the ingredients that you’ll need. This recipe is quite simple and requires only a few ingredients, most of which you might already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
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2 to 3 cups of peeled and sliced fresh pears (You can use any type of pear but Kieffer pears are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy when cooked)
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1 cup of granulated sugar
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1/2 cup of brown sugar
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2-3 tbsp. of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1/4 tsp. of ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp. of ground allspice
These ingredients are all you will need to make a delicious pear jam. However, if you want to make changes and experiment with flavors, you can add a pinch of salt or even a dash of hot pepper sauce to make it extra spicy.
The Recipe How-To
Get ready to create some mouth-watering Southern Pear Jam! Follow these simple steps and have a delicious jam to savor all year round.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced fresh pears
- 4 cups sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Amounts of pectin based on package instructions
Directions:
- In a large, heavy pot, place the sliced pears and add water until the pears are nearly covered. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the pears are tender.
- Add lemon juice and stir well.
- Add the two types of sugar to the large bowl of pear mixture until well combined.
- Over medium-high heat, bring the pear-sugar mixture to a boil, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon to keep from burning.
- Add allspice and cinnamon once it starts boiling.
- Continue boiling in high heat until the desired thickness of jam is reached, approx 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat once desired thickness is achieved then add pectin according to package instructions while still hot.
- Pour the hot mixture promptly into sterilized jars leaving at least half-inch headspace at the top.
- Wipe jar rims with a clean cloth and tightly screw on lids.
- Process in a hot water bath for about 10 minutes or follow your canning equipment’s instruction.
Once you’ve tried this recipe, you won’t stop making it! Get creative by seasoning your jam with different spices like an additional pinch of pepper sauce or by infusing it with vanilla.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pear preserves on toast, biscuits or with cheese and crackers!
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Spiced Pear Jam: Add 1 teaspoon of allspice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the pear mixture for a spicier jam. The warm, comforting flavors are perfect for fall.
– Vanilla Pear Jam: Add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the pear mixture for a sweeter, more complex flavor. This variation is especially good on toast or stirred into yogurt.
– Apple-Pear Jam: Replace half of the pears with diced apples for a slightly tangy twist on the traditional pear jam recipe.
– No-Pectin Pear Jam: If you don’t have pectin on hand, don’t worry! You can still make delicious pear jam by simmering the mixture over low heat until it thickens. Just be sure to stir frequently so it doesn’t burn.
– Pepper Sauce: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the pear mixture for a spicy kick. This variation pairs well with cheese and crackers.
No matter which variation you choose, be sure to adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar as needed to maintain the right balance of sweetness and tartness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing and matching different flavors until you find your perfect combination!
Serving and Pairing
Southern Pear Jam is a delightful treat for the taste buds, and its versatility in serving and pairing makes it a must-have in every household. Once your Pear Jam is done, you can spoon a generous amount over your warm buttered toast, biscuit, or scone, and enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
For an indulgent breakfast experience, try topping pancakes or waffles with some Pear Jam and whipped cream. Its unique flavor will also make it an excellent addition to charcuterie boards as a sweet accompaniment to cheese plates or cut fruits.
For dessert, pair Pear Jam with pound cake or sponge cake and whipped cream or drift some over ice cream. Southern Pear Jam also works wonders in baked products like apple pies or fruit tarts when used as fillings.
Pear Jam is perfect for canning, making it an ideal gift for family and friends during the holidays.
To add some heat to your palate, serve the pear preserves alongside cornbread with a touch of pepper sauce on top.
Pro-tip: If your Pear Jam came out too runny, don’t worry. You can use it as syrup over pancakes, French toast or as a cocktail mixer with bourbon or gin mixed in.
With so many ways to eat this delicious jam, you’ll want to keep jars upon jars of homemade Pear Jam in your pantry!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear readers, if you have planned a special occasion and you would like to prepare this scrumptious southern pear jam recipe ahead of time, let me assure you that it’s absolutely possible without compromising the taste. The pear jam can be made ahead of time and stored easily.
After preparing the pear jam as per the instructions provided in this article, let it cool down for some time before storing. Be sure to transfer to clean and sterilized canning jars with a tight-fitting lid. Store the jars in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or any heat sources that may cause spoilage.
This homemade pear jam could last up to 6 months when stored correctly in a pantry or cupboard. However, once opened and refrigerated, the shelf life is shorter. You may store it for around 3 weeks in the refrigerator when properly sealed in an airtight container.
If you’re reheating the pear jam, place it in a microwave-safe dish and warm it using the ‘defrost’ option. Alternatively, you may use a saucepan on medium heat while continuously stirring until heated through.
My dear friends, I hope these tips help you in making your own delicious batch of Southern Pear Jam! Don’t hesitate to make some extra jars so that you can enjoy it even longer.
Tips for Perfect Results
A crucial aspect of making delicious pear jam is ensuring that it sets perfectly. Here are some tips that can help ensure your southern-style pear jam turns out perfectly every time.
Firstly, it’s important to use fresh pears that are perfectly ripe. Check for ripeness by gently pressing the fruit near the stem – it should yield slightly but still feel firm. Avoid using overripe or underripe fruit, as this can affect how well your jam sets.
When preparing the pears, be sure to peel and slice them thinly and evenly. This will ensure that they cook evenly and help to create a smooth texture. I recommend using kieffer pear for this recipe as they make a fantastic jam.
It’s also worth investing in good quality preserving sugar – this contains pectin which helps to set the jam. If you can’t find preserving sugar, you can add extra pectin to the recipe or use granulated sugar mixed with all-purpose pectin.
When cooking the pear mixture, make sure to use a large heavy-bottomed pot, as this will help distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching. It’s important to stir the mixture regularly to prevent it from sticking to the pot and burning. You can also add a dash of lemon juice to help set the jam.
When adding spices such as cinnamon or allspice, don’t add too much, as they can overpower the delicate flavor of the pears. Start with a small amount and taste as you go until you achieve your desired level of spiciness.
Finally, when filling jars with jam, make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. This helps prevent air bubbles from forming in the jars during processing and ensures that your jars seal properly.
By following these tips and using quality ingredients, you’ll be able to make truly delicious southern-style pear preserves every time!
FAQ
Before concluding this recipe article, I would like to anticipate some common doubts that may arise when preparing this Southern Pear Jam. In the following section, I will answer the frequently asked questions about the recipe, so you can have more confidence and feel ready to start cooking. Continue reading and get all your doubts clarified!
Which pear makes the best preserves?
When it comes to preserving pears, it is advisable to go for specific varieties such as the Bartlett, Bosc, Anjou, and Comice, which are known to hold up well during the preservation process. The Keiffer pear is also acceptable, although it is not as commonly used. If you plan on pickling or spicing your pears, the Seckel variety is a suitable option.
Why do you have to peel pears before canning?
While some folks may peel them to steer clear of the gritty consistency, personally, it doesn’t faze me all that much. It’s entirely up to you whether or not to peel them, or you can take the easy road like yours truly and keep ’em whole.
Do you have to add lemon juice when canning pears?
Before peeling the fruit, soak them in a bowl of cold water and lemon juice mixture. This will keep them from turning brown, improving their appearance in the jar and any baked goods you create later. As you’re getting the fruit ready for canning, you can begin heating up your water bath canner to save time.
What kind of pear is used for jam?
When making pear preserves, it’s crucial to use firm pears like Anjou, Kieffer, or Bartlett. Using fully ripe pears will result in a mushy preserve that’s no good.
Does pear have pectin?
Various fruits, including pears, apples, guavas, quince, plums, gooseberries, oranges, and other citrus fruits are rich sources of pectin, while softer fruits such as cherries, grapes, and strawberries only contain little amounts of this substance.
How long does homemade pear jam last?
If stored well, canned pear jam can remain fresh for up to 18 months at room temperature. Once opened, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator and it should last for at least 2-3 weeks.
Bottom Line
In summation, this Southern Pear Jam Recipe is not only scrumptious but also habit-forming. By utilizing fresh pears, pectin, and a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can create a delectable jam that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The old-fashioned pear preserves recipe uses cinnamon and allspice to add that extra special flavor and aroma that creates a decadent southern style pear preserves.
So, next time you make this recipe, try experimenting with adding a touch of vanilla or an apple pear variation. But most importantly, don’t forget to use kieffer pears for that classic southern fall flavor.
Finally, thanks for taking the time to read through these instructions carefully. We hope our use of vivid and engaging language was helpful in communicating our passion for Southern-style cuisine. So go ahead and whip up a batch of this scrumptious Southern Pear Jam, taking care to enjoy every moment of the process as well as the delicious product itself!
Southern Pear Jam Recipe
Ingredients
- 40 lbs of whole pears
- 10 lbs sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 2 ounces pectin
Instructions
- Peel pears and quarter. This will yeild approximately 18 -20 pounds. In a food processor, course chop into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces.
- Place in a large stainless steel and add sugar and spices. Stir well and let set over night.( at least 12 hours)
- Stir pear mixture and bring it to a boil, add the pecin and return to a boil for 10 minutes stirring well. Turn heat to simmer, stirring well and often for 4 hours or untill it reduces to the desired thickness. Warning- The sugar will stick to the bottom of the pan and and cause you lots of greif at clean up if you don't stir often.
- When finished, the fruit mixture will be dark brown in color. Laddle into sterliized canning jars. Seal with sterlized lids and flats.
- Place in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and place on a dry towel to cool. I can hear those lids popping now!
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