Vanilla-Ginger-Orange Pear-Sauce (Like Applesauce, But With Pears)

 

OH how I love, love, love fall!!!! Last week, my parents came to visit and we went to the orchard. We picked late harvest peaches and early harvest pears. After they left, I was left with pears that just did not seem to be ripening. What’s a girl to do? We don’t throw out food in this house….so what about pear-sauce? Like applesauce, but with pears? Bingo!

Then, I started thinking about the candle/lotion combination that I’ve seen at bath and body shops and they always sounded tasty to me…..so this is what I’ve come up with--I’m happy to say that the combination was awesome!!!! I must share—but my proportions are approximate—luckily, no harm is done if you are off by a little bit.

PEAR SAUCE

• 12 pears, peeled, cored, and chopped into cubes
• ½ tsp. freshly grated ginger (use less or more depending on your taste)
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract (use the real stuff—not the ‘imitation’ vanilla)
• juice of 2 freshly squeezed oranges--you can add zest if you prefer a stronger orange taste
• 1 tsp. honey or agave syrup (optional—I used it and really didn’t need-I prefer things not so sweet)
• About 1 cup water (you may want to start out with less and add more as needed)

Add all ingredients to a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil. Continue to allow it to boil, but stir for a few minutes so the pears do not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Reduce heat and allow the pears to cook for 20-30 minutes more, until soft--continue to check on them and stir every few minutes.

(If the pears seem to keep sticking to the bottom of the pot, you may want to add a bit more water....just add a little at a time or the whole mixture can be too watery.)

Mash the mixture with fork or bean masher until it reaches the consistency of your liking. I like mine a bit chunky. If you like yours super smooth, I suggest you puree the mixture in a food processor or blender.

Makes approximately (I am guessing here) 6 cups--sorry I did not measure. Basically, you can count on some for yourself and some for your neighbors or friends and maybe a bit left over to freeze. I don't can my applesauce--we freeze it. But if you are interested in canning, there are many websites out there that will tell you how. Here's one to get you started.

This pear sauce is very aromatic and incredibly delicious--great with granola, over toast with peanut butter, on top of pancakes or waffles, or just eat it plain as a healthy snack.