Aunt Sarah's Ginger Pears Recipe

Recipe for Aunt Sarah's Ginger Pears:

History:
Aunt Sarah's Ginger Pears recipe has been passed down through generations in our family. The recipe originated from our great-great-grandmother, Sarah, who was known for her delicious preserves. It is believed that the recipe dates back to the late 19th century when preserving fruits was a common practice to enjoy them throughout the year.

Fun Facts:
- Aunt Sarah's Ginger Pears is a unique preserve due to the combination of pears, lemon, and ginger, giving it a distinctive flavor profile.
- The use of hard, solid pears in this recipe ensures that the fruit holds its shape during the cooking process.
- The addition of lemon juice and rind adds a refreshing tang to balance the sweetness of the pears and sugar.
- Ginger root not only adds a hint of spiciness but also enhances the overall flavor of the preserve.
- This recipe yields four pint jars, making it perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the year.

Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of hard, solid pears
- 2 lemons
- 1/4 pound of ginger root
- 4 pounds of sugar
- 1 cup of water

Instructions:
1. Begin by peeling and coring the pears. Slice them into thin slivers, ensuring they are of uniform thickness.

2. Juice the lemons and set the juice aside. Cut the lemon rind into long, thin strips.

3. Peel the ginger root and grate it finely.

4. In a large preserving kettle, combine the sliced pears, lemon juice, lemon rind, grated ginger root, sugar, and water.

5. Place the kettle on the stove over low heat and cook the mixture slowly for one hour. Stir occasionally to prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom.

6. After one hour, check the consistency of the fruit. If the juice is not as thick as honey, remove the fruit from the syrup and continue cooking the syrup for a short time until it thickens. Then, add the fruit back into the syrup.

7. Once the fruit looks clear and the syrup has thickened to desired consistency, the preserve is ready.

8. Sterilize four pint jars and their lids by boiling them in water for a few minutes.

9. Spoon the hot ginger pears and syrup into the sterilized jars, leaving a ¼ inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean.

10. Seal the jars with the lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.

11. After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool at room temperature.

12. Once cool, check the seals on the jars. If any jars did not seal properly, refrigerate them and consume within a few weeks.

Enjoy Aunt Sarah's Ginger Pears as a delicious preserve throughout the year. They can be enjoyed on toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Similar recipe dishes:
If you enjoy Aunt Sarah's Ginger Pears, you may also like some other fruit preserves and relishes that have been popular throughout history. Some of these include:
- Peach and Ginger Jam: Combining the sweetness of peaches with the spiciness of ginger creates a delightful jam that pairs perfectly with breakfast foods or as a glaze for meat dishes.
- Lemon Ginger Marmalade: This marmalade combines the zesty flavor of lemons with the warmth of ginger, creating a tangy and refreshing spread.
- Pear and Cardamom Chutney: This chutney combines sweet pears with aromatic cardamom, creating a flavorful condiment that pairs well with cheese, crackers, or roasted meats.

Feel free to experiment with these recipes and add your own personal touch. Preserves and relishes are a wonderful way to savor the flavors of fruits even when they are out of season.