by Erin Dallas, CSA Member
All of the spice measurements are erring on the side of caution. I did quite a bit of quality control and encourage folks to do their own as well and tinker away at adding more of whatever spices they prefer. I would stick with the sugar over honey though, as my batch made from honey had a texture much more similar to really thick applesauce as opposed to a fruit butter.
2 lbs ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1 pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon peeled and minced ginger - microplane graters are great for this!
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1. Add Pears, Brown Sugar, H2O, and Salt to a crockpot or dutch oven and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on Low (slow cooker) or place in oven set to 170 degrees/lowest temp (dutch oven) for 8+ hours
3. Stir in fresh Ginger and various spices
4a. Slow cooker - Increase temp setting to High and cook uncovered for 1-3 hours to thicken, stirring occasionally
4b. Dutch oven - Simmer on cooktop over low heat for 1-3 hours, stirring occasionally
5. Can according to home canning procedures and enjoy!