ORANGE ESSENCE PEAR BUTTER

Steps:

• 1. Remove stems from pears and cut in half lengthwise. Slice thinly. Place in a pot large enough to hold, and add the pear nectar or apple juice. I highly recommend using pear nectar for this recipe.
• 2. Zest the orange and add zest to the pears. Squeeze the juice from the orange into the pot also. Then, chop up the remaining pulp and add it to the pot.
• 3. Bring this to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Keep heat low. Pears should be very soft and mushy. Allow to cool slightly, then put through a food mill to get rid of the seeds and other debris.
• 4. Place the pear puree in a medium crock pot, to fill at least 3/4 full. Cook on high, with lid vented, 6-8 hours. Stir often to move the cooked part on the outside to the inside.
• 5. When pear butter is thick and holds its shape on a spoon, add the sugar and nutmeg. Continue cooking 1 more hour.
• 6. Pack into hot sterilized jars or freezer containers. May process in a boiling water bath if desired, or just refrigerate or freeze. Makes 3 & 1/2 one-cup jars.