Pear Jelly
Sweet and fragrant pear jelly offers a delicate balance of fruitiness and sweetness, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sterilize jars to prepare for canning.
- Peel, core, and chop the pears.
- Combine pears and lemon juice in a large pot and cook until soft.
- Add Sure-Jell and oleo to the cooked pears and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add sugar gradually.
- Boil the mixture for about 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Pour hot pear jelly into sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
- Seal jars and allow to cool before storing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother jelly, strain the cooked pears through a fine mesh sieve before adding the Sure-Jell. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. Make sure to use ripe pears for the best flavor. Remember to check the gel consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate and letting it sit for a minute before running your finger through it.
Serving Suggestions
Pear jelly is delightful spread over warm biscuits or toast, making it a perfect complement to breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with Deanne'S Pistachio Dessert for a sweet ending to a meal. For a unique twist, consider using it as a glaze for roasted meats or as a topping for yogurt.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pear jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jelly in the refrigerator and consume within a month. To reheat, simply scoop out the desired amount and warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until spreadable.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pear Jelly contains roughly 10 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 other fruits to make jelly?
Yes, you can substitute pears with other fruits like apples or quinces. Just be sure to adjust the sugar content based on the sweetness of the fruit, as some may require less sugar than pears.
What should I do if my jelly doesn't set?
If your jelly doesn't set, you can reheat it and add more Sure-Jell according to package instructions. Make sure to boil it for the recommended time after adding the pectin to ensure proper thickening.
Can I make this jelly without added sugar?
While traditional pear jelly requires sugar for preservation and sweetness, you can use sugar substitutes designed for canning. However, make sure they are suitable for high-temperature processing and check the conversion ratios on the package.
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).