Description
A simple, artisanal spiced pear preserve made with ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, sugar, and warm holiday spices like cinnamon, clove, and vanilla bean. Perfect for holiday gifting or spreading on toast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds ripe Bartlett or Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and chopped into ½-inch chunks
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 whole vanilla bean pod (split and seeds scraped) OR 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for gloss)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, core, and chop the pears into ½-inch chunks.
- Add chopped pears, water, and sugar to a large heavy-bottomed pot. Stir to coat.
- Add whole spices (cinnamon sticks and cloves) to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low to simmer gently.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until pears break down and mixture thickens.
- If using ground spices (cloves, ginger), add them during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Test for doneness using the cold plate method; if ready, remove from heat.
- Remove whole cinnamon sticks and cloves with a slotted spoon.
- Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract (or scraped vanilla bean seeds), and butter.
- Ladle hot preserves into clean, hot glass jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
- Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and let cool at room temperature for 15 minutes until sealed.
Notes
Use ripe pears that yield slightly to pressure for the best texture and flavor. If using ground spices, add them late in the cooking process to prevent bitterness. The cold plate test is the best way to determine if the preserves have set. Preserves can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks or frozen for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: spiced pear preserves, pear jam, holiday gifts, vanilla bean preserves, easy jam recipe, seasonal cooking, autumn recipes