Orange Essence Pear Butter Recipes

Steps:

• Place pears into a large pot over medium heat, and 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 the pear pulp and sugar into a large saucepan and stir to dissolve sugar. Stir in the orange zest, nutmeg and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is thick enough to mound in a spoon. When the mixture begins to thicken, stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. This will take about 1 hour.
• Ladle the 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.

Steps:

• 1. Remove stems from pears and cut in half lengthwise. Slice thinly. Place in a pot large enough to hold, and add the pear nectar or apple juice. I highly recommend using pear nectar for this recipe.
• 2. Zest the orange and add zest to the pears. Squeeze the juice from the orange into the pot also. Then, chop up the remaining pulp and add it to the pot.
• 3. Bring this to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Keep heat low. Pears should be very soft and mushy. Allow to cool slightly, then put through a food mill to get rid of the seeds and other debris.
• 4. Place the pear puree in a medium crock pot, to fill at least 3/4 full. Cook on high, with lid vented, 6-8 hours. Stir often to move the cooked part on the outside to the inside.
• 5. When pear butter is thick and holds its shape on a spoon, add the sugar and nutmeg. Continue cooking 1 more hour.
• 6. Pack into hot sterilized jars or freezer containers. May process in a boiling water bath if desired, or just refrigerate or freeze. Makes 3 & 1/2 one-cup jars.