Pear Jam

Pear Jam Recipe with Lemon Juice

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pear jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, scones, or even as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. This sweet and tangy jam is easy to make at home and can be customized with different spices and flavorings to suit your taste preferences.

History

The tradition of making fruit preserves dates back centuries, with early recipes for jams and jellies appearing in cookbooks as far back as the 17th century. Pear jam, in particular, has been a popular choice for home cooks looking to preserve the flavors of fresh pears for enjoyment throughout the year.

Ingredients

1 cup (about 4) of blended pear (whip chopped fruit in a food processor or blender until smooth)
1 tbsp of lemon juice

How to prepare

Heat the ingredients in a saucepan until it comes to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness.

Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Try mixing in a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture.
Experiment with different varieties of pears for unique flavor profiles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor in your jam.

- Adding a touch of lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors of the jam and prevent it from becoming too sweet.

- Stir the jam frequently while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy pear jam on toast, scones, or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the pear jam on low heat helps to concentrate the flavors and thicken the mixture to a spreadable consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh pears on hand, you can use canned or frozen pears instead. Just be sure to adjust the sugar content accordingly.

Make Ahead Tips

Pear jam can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pear jam in a decorative jar with a ribbon or label for a homemade touch. It also makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Pairing Recommendations

Pear jam pairs well with a variety of cheeses, such as brie or cheddar, as well as with crackers or crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store pear jam in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply microwave the jam for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of pear jam contains approximately 40 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of pear jam contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Pear jam is naturally low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is negligible protein in pear jam, with less than 1 gram per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, both of which are preserved in the jam-making process.

Alergens

Pear jam is typically free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, be sure to check the ingredients label for any potential allergens.

Summary

Pear jam is a low-calorie spread that provides a small amount of carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fresh pears year-round.

Summary

Pear jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a homemade jam that is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory, like a precious gem that I stumbled upon in a dusty old cookbook at a yard sale many years ago. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was browsing through the tables filled with knick-knacks and books, when a faded, tattered recipe book caught my eye.

As I flipped through the pages, yellowed with age and splattered with stains of various culinary adventures, my heart skipped a beat when I stumbled upon a handwritten recipe for Pear Jam. The handwriting was delicate and elegant, with loops and swirls that spoke of a bygone era. I knew that I had unearthed a hidden treasure, a culinary secret waiting to be unlocked.

I purchased the cookbook without a second thought and brought it home with me, eager to try out the recipes that lay within its pages. That evening, I brewed a cup of tea, settled into my favorite armchair, and began to read through the recipes with a sense of wonder and excitement.

The recipe for Pear Jam caught my eye once again, and I knew that it was the one I had to try first. It seemed simple enough, with just a handful of ingredients - ripe pears, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon. But I could sense that there was something special about this recipe, something that set it apart from all the other jam recipes I had tried in the past.

The next morning, I set out to gather the ingredients for the Pear Jam. I picked the freshest, juiciest pears from the farmer's market, their sweet aroma filling the air as I sliced them into perfect, bite-sized pieces. I added them to a heavy-bottomed pot with a generous amount of sugar, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of cinnamon, and set the mixture to simmer on the stove.

As the pears cooked down, their natural sugars caramelizing and melding with the spices, a heavenly aroma filled my kitchen, drawing me in with its irresistible scent. I stirred the pot gently, watching as the pears softened and the jam thickened to a perfect consistency.

After what seemed like an eternity of simmering and stirring, the Pear Jam was finally ready. I poured it into sterilized jars, sealing them tightly with lids, and set them aside to cool. The vibrant, golden hue of the jam glowed in the sunlight that streamed through the windows, a testament to the love and care that had gone into its creation.

When the jars had cooled to room temperature, I couldn't resist the urge to taste a spoonful of the Pear Jam. The first bite was a revelation, a burst of sweet, tangy flavor that danced on my taste buds and warmed my soul. The pears had transformed into a luscious, velvety jam that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, a treasure that I would cherish and pass down to future generations. It had become a part of me, a culinary legacy that would live on in the hearts and memories of my loved ones long after I was gone.

And so, every year when the pears ripened on the trees and the warm, fragrant spices of cinnamon and lemon beckoned from the pantry, I would return to that cherished recipe for Pear Jam. I would cook it with love and care, savoring each step of the process as if it were a sacred ritual, a communion with the past and the future.

And as I shared the jars of Pear Jam with my family and friends, watching their eyes light up with delight and wonder, I knew that I had stumbled upon a true culinary masterpiece. The recipe for Pear Jam had brought joy and sweetness into my life, a gift that I would always hold dear in my heart.