Lemony Pear Butter

Think apple butter—but with pears. It’s sure to make lazy mornings that much more heavenly for the special people in your life. Beyond toast, muffins, and crackers, the pear butter is an inspiring addition to a cheese plate or even as a sandwich spread. It will keep for about one week in the refrigerator.

5 lb (2.25 kg) ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
2 Tbsp (30 mL) pure maple syrup
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) nutmeg
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ginger powder
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cloves
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) salt

Place all ingredients in large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Place mixture in blender or food processor container and blend until smooth. Return to pan and simmer partially covered for another 60 minutes, stirring often so the bottom doesn’t burn, or until mixture has thickened and drops very slowly from a wooden spoon. If mixture remains too thin, drain in fine mesh sieve and then return to the stovetop to cook further.

Makes about 2 1/2 cups (625 mL), enough for 4 gifts.

Each 1 Tbsp (15 mL) serving contains: 36 calories; 0 g protein; 0 g total fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 9 g total carbohydrates (6 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 10 mg sodium

source: "Love Bites", alive #386, December 2014