Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 pounds of birch-leaved pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Special equipment needed:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Jam jars with lids
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped pears, sugar, ginger, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens and the pears are soft.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool for 10 minutes.
5. Using a hand blender or food processor, blend the jam until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Ladle the jam into sterilized jam jars and seal with the lids.
7. Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes about 3 cups of jam
Nutritional information:
- Serving size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Total fat: 0g
- Total carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use regular pears instead of birch-leaved pears.
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can use ground ginger instead of fresh ginger.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet, floral flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to stir the jam occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Use a hand blender or food processor to blend the jam to your desired consistency.
- Sterilize your jam jars before filling them with the jam to prevent contamination.
Storage instructions:
- Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the jam, place the jar in a bowl of hot water until the jam softens.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the jam on toast, scones, or biscuits.
- Use the jam as a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruit on top of the jam for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
- Serve the jam with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Pair the jam with a cheese board for a sweet and savory snack.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the jam with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the jam is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- If the jam is too thin, return the saucepan to the heat and let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to sterilize your jam jars before filling them with the jam to prevent contamination.
- Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Food history:
- Pear and ginger jam is a traditional English recipe that dates back to the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, spicy, and fruity.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the jam on toast, scones, or biscuits.
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