We have boxes of beautiful local pears in store right now, and if the thought of eating 14 pounds of pears seems a little daunting, here's an idea to preserve the harvest. These Ginger Pear preserves are sweet and spicy and would make a beautiful gift for someone. The pears develop a delicious caramelized flavor that pear pair nicely with a sharp and salty blue cheese- lovely for fall.
To make the preserves you will need:
3 pounds pears, peeled, cored and sliced 4 cups sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 candied ginger, finely chopped 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
In a large pot place the pears, sugar, lemon juice and fresh ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the candied ginger to the pot and stir to combine. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring often, until the mixture is thick coats the back of a spoon, about 45 minutes. Pour into sterilized jars and process in a hot water bath. Without being processed in a hot water bath the preserves will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days.
