Chunky Pear Butter with a Lemon Twist is a smooth, fragrant spread with bits of tender pear and a touch of bright citrus. The natural sweetness of ripe pears blends beautifully with the tang of lemon, creating a comforting and versatile preserve. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, scones, or even serving alongside roasted meats and cheeses. This recipe brings out the cozy flavor of fall with a hint of freshness from lemon zest.
1. Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
2. Serving: About 4 cups
3. Ingredients:
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4 pounds ripe pears (about 8 medium), peeled, cored, and chopped
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¾ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness of pears)
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¼ cup honey
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1 lemon, zested and juiced
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon ground ginger
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup water
4. Instructions:
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Prepare the pears: Peel, core, and chop the pears into small chunks. If you prefer a smoother butter, chop them finer.
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Cook the fruit: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the pears, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, honey, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring often. The pears should soften completely, and the mixture should start to thicken.
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Mash or blend: For a chunky texture, mash with a potato masher. For a smoother butter, use an immersion blender to puree until silky.
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Check consistency: The pear butter is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon and no excess liquid pools around it. If too thin, continue cooking until thickened.
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Cool and store: Let it cool completely, then spoon into clean jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Nutrition (per tablespoon):
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Calories: 35
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 8g
6. Tips:
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Use ripe, juicy pears like Bartlett or Bosc for the best flavor.
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Add more lemon zest if you want a stronger citrus kick.
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For a deeper flavor, cook the butter longer over low heat to caramelize slightly.
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A pinch of cloves or allspice can add warmth if you like spiced spreads.
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Serve it warm with pancakes or swirl it into oatmeal for a cozy breakfast.
