A Busy Weekend - Carmel Spice Pear Butter

I don't have any cards to share today. I did get a few things done but since they are submissions for a magazine (keep your fingers crossed) and for the VSN (Virtual Stamping Night) on SCS, I can't share them yet. I also had friends down this weekend. Carolyn brought some pear butter with her as a thank you. When I discovered pears were 2 lbs. for $1 at Safeway, I got her to help me make a batch. Unfortunately, they were very, very green (hard) so it took a long time to soften them up. And in the end this batch didn't turn out very well. But I have 10 more pears ripening. Yes, I did redo the recipe, but it is one of my magazine submissions. However, the recipe is below.

After the pears were pureed, I added the bulk of the sugar. This recipe isn't for those watching their weight!! (Yikes - 6 c. of sugar!!)

The carmel part is melted sugar. It takes a while for the sugar to melt but once it does, it turns brown quickly. WATCH it or it will burn on you!!

A close up of the melting.

After adding the carmel and spices the butter got really brown. I think I should have added more water at this point.

In the end I only got 4 pints of butter (and a bit extra). I think it was because the pears were too hard to be "juicy". And all my jars sealed (YIPPEE!!!) I love those little pops when the jar seals. Big grin!

A lot of dishes for four pints of pear butter....

My ever faithful companion, Jazz, slept through the process. But at least she wasn't under foot.

CARMEL SPICE PEAR BUTTER (from my friend Carolyn)

• 15 large, ripe pears
• 2 c. water

Wash and core, but not peel pears. Add water and cover. Cook on low 30 minutes or until tender. Puree and return to kettle.

• 1 1/2 c. sugar

Melt sugar in fry pan until melted and golden brown. Add to pears.

• 4 1/2 c. sugar
• 1Tbsp. cloves
• 1/2 tsp. ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Bring to boil and then reduce heat. Simmer 45 minutes or until thick.

• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Add lemon juice just before pouring into jars. Can in the usual method.