Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves Recipe

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Love sweet and homemade jams? This Pioneer Woman pear preserves recipe is pure comfort. Golden pears simmer into a thick and spicy spread. Perfect for toast or gifts. I’ll show you how to make Pioneer Woman pear preserves recipe at home. It’s easy and fun!

My Story With This Comforting Pear Preserves

I first tasted pear preserves at my grandma’s kitchen in Rawalpindi. She stirred pots of fruit over the stove. The sweet smell filled our home. Years later, I found Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman pear preserves recipe online.

It reminded me of those days. I tweaked it with local pears and spices. Now, it’s my go-to for cozy mornings. One batch lasted us through winter. Friends beg for jars!

Equipment List

• Large pot (for cooking)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Sterilized jars (with lids and bands)
• Jar lifter or tongs
• Potato masher (to crush pears)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Bowl for lemon juice mix

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves
• Servings: 6 jars (8 oz each)
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 65 mins
• Course: Condiment
• Cuisine: American Southern
• Calories: 45 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves

• 4 lbs ripe pears (peeled, cored, chopped)
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 pouch liquid pectin (for quick set)

Instructions for Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves

1. Prep the Pears

Wash pears well under cool water. Peel each one carefully. Cut out the core. Chop into small chunks. This takes about 15 minutes. Place in a big bowl. Toss with lemon juice right away. It stops browning.

2. Mash for Texture

Use a potato masher in the bowl. Crush pears until chunky but not pureed. You want some texture. Add sugar now. Stir well to coat every piece. Let sit for 10 minutes. Sugar draws out juices.

3. Cook the Mixture

Pour everything into a large pot. Set heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil. Stir often with wooden spoon. Skim off any foam on top. This keeps it clear and pretty.

4. Add Spices and Pectin

Once boiling, add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt. Stir in pectin pouch. Boil hard for 1 full minute. Keep stirring fast. Mixture thickens quickly. Turn heat to low after.

5. Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low simmer. Cook 30-35 minutes more. Stir every few minutes. Test doneness on a cold plate. It should wrinkle when pushed. Pears turn golden and glossy.

6. Fill and Seal Jars

Ladle hot preserves into sterilized jars. Leave 1/4 inch space at top. Wipe rims clean. Place lids on. Screw bands tight. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

7. Cool and Store

Remove jars with lifter. Place on towel. Let cool 24 hours. You hear pings as they seal. Check seals. Store in cool and dark spot. Ready to enjoy!

Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations

• Use firm, ripe pears like Bartlett for best flavor.
• Add a vanilla bean pod during simmer for extra warmth.
• For spicy kick, include 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
• Low-sugar version: Cut sugar to 3 cups, add more pectin.
• No pectin? Cook longer until it sheets off spoon.
• Test set early to avoid overcooking.
• Gift idea: Tie ribbon around jars with recipe card.

Little History Behind This Comfort Food

Pear preserves trace back to the American South in the 1800s. Pioneer women like Ree Drummond’s ancestors canned fruits to last winters. Pears grew wild there.

Sugar and spices made them special. Ree’s Pioneer Woman pear preserves recipe nods to that tradition. It’s simple yet timeless. In Pakistan, we do similar with guavas. This bridges my worlds!

What to Serve With This Dish

Spread on warm biscuits for breakfast.
Pair with cheese boards and crackers.
Top yogurt or oatmeal for sweetness.
Use in PB&J sandwiches.
Drizzle over grilled pork chops.
Mix into pancake batter.
Gift with scones for holidays.

Occasion or Event Ideas

Family brunches on lazy Sundays.
Holiday gift swaps with neighbors.
Picnic baskets for park days.
Thanksgiving cheese platters.
Afternoon tea parties.
Wedding favors in small jars.
Cozy winter movie nights.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store sealed jars in pantry up to 1 year.
• Fridge opened jars for 3 weeks.
• Freeze extras in plastic for 6 months.
• Reheat gently in microwave, stir well.
• Thaw frozen jars overnight in fridge.
• Check for spoilage before eating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 tbsp)
Calories	45 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sugars	11g
Protein	0g
Fiber	1g
Vitamin C	2mg (2% DV)
Potassium	30mg (1% DV)

Is This Dish Good for You?

Yes, Pioneer Woman pear preserves can be healthy in moderation. Pears pack fiber for digestion. They aid heart health too. Lemon juice adds vitamin C boost.

Spices like cinnamon help blood sugar. Low fat and no cholesterol. Watch sugar intake. Use on whole grains for balance. It’s a smarter jam choice!

• Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Bacon Jam Recipe

FAQs about Pioneer Woman Pear Preserves

How to make Pioneer Woman pear preserves without pectin?
Boil longer, about 1 hour total. Test on plate until it gels. Stir often to prevent burning. It works great for natural set.

What pears are best for this recipe?
Bartlett or Anjou pears shine. They ripen soft and sweet. Avoid overripe ones. Firm fruit holds shape better during cooking.

Can I double the ingredients for Pioneer Woman pear preserves recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches. Large pots overflow easy. Stick to one batch first for perfect results.

How long does homemade pear preserves last?
Sealed jars stay good 1 year in pantry. Opened ones last 3 weeks chilled. Always check for mold.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Fill freezer bags after cooking. Leave headspace. Thaw in fridge. Tastes fresh for months.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my take on the Pioneer Woman pear preserves recipe! It’s simple joy in a jar. Whip up a batch this weekend. Share with loved ones.

The house smells amazing. You’ll feel like a canning pro. Got questions? Drop a comment below. Happy cooking, friends!

What pears are you using, or do you want a low-sugar tweak?

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