Pear Goody
Pear Goody is a sweet, spiced fruit preserve featuring pears, cranberries, and raisins, perfect as a condiment or accompaniment for ham or cheese dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring sugar and water to a simmer in a saucepan.
- Peel, core, and quarter the pears and add them to the simmering water-sugar mixture.
- Cook gently until the pears are slightly translucent.
- Add cranberries and raisins to the mixture.
- Continue to simmer until the cranberry skins split and the raisins are plump.
- Serve and enjoy with ham or your choice of dishes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the simmering mixture. If you're short on cranberries, you can substitute with dried cherries or blueberries. To enhance the sweetness, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar. Ensure to keep an eye on the pears while cooking to avoid overcooking them, as you want them tender but not mushy.
Serving Suggestions
This Pear Goody pairs beautifully with ham, making it a great addition to holiday meals or family gatherings. Consider serving it alongside roasted meats or as a topping for yogurt or vanilla ice cream. It can also be used as a filling in pastries or served with pancakes for a delightful brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also serve it cold if you prefer a chilled dessert or side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Goody contains roughly 646 calories, with 4g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh ones?
While fresh pears provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned pears in a pinch. Just ensure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time since they are already soft. Add them near the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this Pear Goody vegan, simply replace the sugar with a vegan-friendly alternative like coconut sugar or agave syrup. The recipe is already naturally vegan as it does not contain any animal products, so you can enjoy it guilt-free!
What other fruits can I add to this recipe?
You can enhance the flavor by adding other fruits such as diced apples, peaches, or even a handful of chopped nuts for added texture. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).