Pear Butter

 

If you've never had pear butter before, you need to stop whatever you are doing and make this today! 

 

From: Gimme Some Oven

 

3 lbs. or about 10 ripe pears, peeled, cored and diced

3 Tbsp. honey

1 Tbsp. lemon juice or 1 lemon

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice

pinch of groud nutmeg

1 tsp.  ground cloves

 

Stir first three ingredients together in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about 50 minutes, covering so that the lid is slightly open, and stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the mixture so that the bottom does not burn. Once it has reduced slightly and thickened, remove from heat and add spices then transfer to a food processor. Pulse until smooth.

Transfer to canning jars or a heat-proof container, seal, and refrigerate until ready to use. Keep for up to a week.

 

Marinara Sauce

I can't believe it has taken me this long to make my own marinara sauce.  I will never buy store bought again if I can help it!

3-4 cloves garlic
1/2-1 onion
olive oil
28 oz. can tomato sauce
28 oz. can tomato's ( I just used a quart size of home canned tomatoes, juice and all)
2 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 tsp. salt
2 TBL. sugar
1-2 TBL. balsamic vinegar (optional, but gives another depth of flavor that is sooo delicious!)
water optional

Finely dice garlic and onion and sautee in oil.  Once translucent add remaining ingredients and bring to boil, then simmer for 2 hours.  You don't have to simmer but the flavors meld together so much better and become so full of flavor if you do.  Add more water if you want it more runny but I thought it was perfect like it was.  I also used half for our meal and froze the other half.  Sometimes I make a double batch so we can freeze 2 more portions.

Root Beer BBQ sauces

1 cup root beer
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 T. dark brown sugar
1 T. molasses
1 t. liquid smoke
1/2 t. grated lemon peel
1/3 t. ground ginger
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. onion powder
1 T. honey
some soy sauce

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir occasionally. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer and sauce is reduced to about 1 1/2 cups--about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cool slightly. Transfer to bowl, cover and refrigerate. Can be made 2 weeks ahead of time.