Pear Jam

This pear jam has been my favorite jam since I was a little girl. We moved around a lot when I was young; my grandmother would send this jam to us so that we still felt we were close to Grandma's house. I love it on warm homemade bread or peanut butter and jam sandwiches.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 99 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon butter
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 7 ½ cups white sugar
• 4 ½ cups mashed ripe pears
• 3 tablespoons powdered fruit pectin
• 8 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.

Step 2

Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

Step 3

Mix pears, lemon juice, fruit pectin, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg in a large heavy pot; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar all at once, stirring, and bring back to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute. Mix in butter to settle foam.

Step 4

Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the pear jam into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw-on rings.