Prep Time::30 mins
Cook Time:: 1 hr 45 mins
Total Time:: 2 hrs 15 mins
Servings::32
Yield::4 (½-pint) jars
Ingredients
Oops! Something went wrong. Our team is working on it.
4 pounds medium pears, quartered and cored
½ cup water, or as needed
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ cup orange juice
Directions
Place pears into a large pot over medium heat; add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pot and keep them from sticking, about 1/2 cup. Cook until the pears are soft, about 30 minutes. Press pears through a sieve or food mill, and measure out 2 quarts of the pulp.
Pour pear pulp and sugar into a large saucepan and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in orange zest, nutmeg, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until mixture is thick enough to mound in a spoon. When mixture begins to thicken, stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. This process will take about 1 hour.
Ladle pear butter into hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Remove air bubbles by sliding a metal spatula around where the pear butter touches the glass. Wipe jar rims clean, and seal with lids and rings. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath. The water should cover the jars by 1 inch. Check with your local extension for exact processing times for your area.