Tags
canning, gluten-free, jam, pear, preserving, vanilla, vegetarian
Since the first batch of pear jam turned out so well, I decided to make another, this time inspired by Food In Jars’ Pear Vanilla Jam. A friend of mine was nice enough to give me some gorgeous vanilla beans that were so plump and fragrant. She bought them here. I never knew the glories of whole vanilla beans until this recipe; I can’t wait to order my own.
Pear Vanilla Jam
- 4 cups prepared fruit
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 box Fruit Pectin
- 4 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl
- 1/2 tsp butter
- 1 large or 2 small vanilla beans, scraped
Bring boiling-water canner, half full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.
Peel and core pears. Finely grind or chop fruit. Measure exactly 4 cups prepared fruit into 6- or 8-qt. saucepot. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla bean (scrapings and . Stir in pectin. Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar; stir. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.
Ladle immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 min. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)