Spiced Pear Chutney

Warming spices and ripe pears combine to create a delightful condiment that perfectly embodies winter. This chutney is excellent as a spread on sandwiches or as a match for cheese and roasted meats. This is a wonderful way to use winter's seasonal pears.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups of ripe pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup of raisins
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of crystallized ginger, finely chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, combine the pears, sugar, apple cider vinegar, raisins, chopped onion, crystallized ginger, and the cinnamon stick

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil

Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the pears become tender

Stir in the ground cloves, ground allspice, and salt, and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld

Remove the cinnamon stick and discard it

Pour the spiced pear chutney into clean, sterilized jars while it's still hot

Seal the jars tightly

Allow the chutney to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator

The spiced pear chutney can be enjoyed immediately but will taste even better after a few days of maturing

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months