Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest
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Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to preserve the sweet, delicate flavor of pears, try making Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest.
This simple yet elegant recipe combines the natural sweetness of pears with the aromatic notes of vanilla and the bright, zesty touch of lemon, creating a perfectly balanced treat.
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Whether you enjoy these pears on their own or use them as a topping for desserts, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy pears throughout the year.
Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest
Preserving fruit at home allows you to enjoy the flavors of the season long after fresh pears have disappeared from the market.
Making Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest is an easy process that not only extends the shelf life of your fruit but also enhances its natural taste with subtle hints of vanilla and the refreshing citrusy kick of lemon zest.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a light and flavorful dessert or an elegant addition to breakfast or snack time.
The combination of vanilla and lemon elevates the flavor of the pears without overpowering them, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and refreshing.
These canned pears can be enjoyed on their own, paired with ice cream, or served alongside a cheese platter for a gourmet touch.
Ingredients for Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Using just a few basic ingredients, you can create a batch of Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest that will last for months and be a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 ripe but firm pears (Bartlett or Bosc pears work well)
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups sugar (adjust to your desired sweetness)
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for extra flavor depth
Equipment:
- Canning jars with lids
- Large pot or canner
- Peeler and paring knife
- Canning funnel (optional)
- Jar lifter or tongs for handling hot jars
Preparing the Pears
The first step in making Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest is to properly prepare the pears. Choosing the right pears is crucial for this recipe.
Look for pears that are ripe but still firm, as they will hold their shape during the canning process.
- Peel the pears: Using a vegetable peeler, gently remove the skin from the pears.
- Core and slice: Cut the pears in half and remove the core using a small paring knife. You can slice the pears into quarters or leave them in halves, depending on how you prefer them.
- Prevent browning: To keep the pears from browning while you prepare the syrup, place the peeled and sliced pears in a bowl of water with lemon juice.
Making the Vanilla and Lemon Zest Syrup
The syrup is what gives these canned pears their unique flavor. The blend of vanilla and lemon zest adds a touch of elegance and brightens the natural sweetness of the pears.
- Combine water and sugar: In a large pot, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add vanilla and lemon zest: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add both the seeds and the pod to the syrup. If you're using vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean, add it now. Then, add the lemon zest to the syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Remove the vanilla pod: After the syrup has simmered, remove the vanilla pod (if used). This step is optional but helps to create a smooth syrup without large pieces of vanilla bean.
Canning the Pears
Now that the syrup is ready and the pears are prepped, it's time to can your Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest. This process ensures that your pears stay fresh and flavorful for months.
- Pack the jars: Using a slotted spoon, carefully pack the pear slices into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top.
- Pour the syrup: Ladle the hot vanilla and lemon zest syrup over the pears, ensuring they are completely submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
- Remove air bubbles: Gently run a knife or a spatula around the inside edges of the jar to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Seal the jars: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any syrup, then place the lids on top and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight.
- Process the jars: Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath, ensuring they are fully submerged, and process them for 20 minutes. This step ensures a proper seal for long-term storage.
- Cool and store: Once processed, remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a towel. As they cool, you should hear the lids pop, indicating they are sealed. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Enjoying Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest
Once you’ve made your Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest, there are countless ways to enjoy them.
They can be served on their own as a light, fruity dessert or paired with yogurt or granola for a refreshing breakfast.
These pears also make an excellent topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream, adding a touch of sweetness with a hint of spice.
For a more sophisticated option, serve these pears with a cheese board, pairing them with sharp or creamy cheeses like blue cheese or brie. The subtle flavors of vanilla and lemon add complexity to the dish, making it perfect for entertaining.
Versatile Uses for Canned Pears
- As a topping for desserts like tarts, cakes, or pies.
- Sliced and served with warm oatmeal or porridge.
- Mixed into salads with goat cheese and walnuts.
- Added to cocktails for a fruity twist.
Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest: A Timeless Treat
By making Canned Pears with Vanilla and Lemon Zest, you’re preserving the best of pear season and creating a versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of vanilla and lemon zest adds a touch of elegance to the sweet, tender pears, making them a delightful addition to desserts, breakfasts, or even savory dishes.
This simple recipe allows you to enjoy the freshness of pears year-round while adding a sophisticated twist to your meals.
Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Canning Pears
Source: Homesteading with the Zimmermans
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