Chai-Spiced Pear Butter

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Are you looking for a tasty way to use up extra pears? Chai-spiced pear butter is a yummy spread that combines sweet pears with warm chai spices. You can easily make this delicious treat at home by cooking pears with chai tea and spices, then blending until smooth.

Spread this flavorful butter on toast, muffins, or pancakes for a cozy fall breakfast. You can also use it as a filling for pies or tarts. The best part? It keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy the flavors of fall all season long.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make chai-spiced pear butter:

  • 6 ripe pears (Bartlett works well)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup pear liquor, pear nectar, or water
  • 2 vanilla beans
  • 2-3 chai tea bags

Don’t have these exact items? No worries! Try these swaps:

  • Any ripe pear variety will do
  • Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar
  • Swap vanilla extract for the beans (1 tsp per bean)
  • Make your own chai spice mix with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves

For a twist, you might add:

  • A pinch of black pepper for extra warmth
  • A splash of lemon juice for brightness
  • A tablespoon of fresh grated ginger for zing

Remember, you can adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your taste. Start with less and add more as you go. Happy cooking!

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Instructions

Peel, core, and slice 6 ripe pears. Put them in a slow cooker with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup pear liquor or water.

Add chai spices: 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, and 1/4 tsp each of cloves and nutmeg.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pears are soft and fragrant. Stir occasionally.

Turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon sticks. Use an immersion blender to smooth out the mixture.

If you like a thicker butter, cook uncovered on high for another 1-2 hours, stirring often.

Let the butter cool completely. Store in clean jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

For longer storage, you can can the butter. Pour it into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.

Enjoy your chai-spiced pear butter on toast, mixed into yogurt, or straight from the jar!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Making chai-spiced pear butter is easy with a few helpful tips. Use ripe pears for the best flavor and texture. If your pears aren’t quite ripe, let them sit at room temperature for a few days.

Don’t skip the lemon juice. It helps preserve the color and adds a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.

Stirring regularly while cooking prevents burning and helps create a smooth texture. Use an immersion blender for extra smoothness if you like.

To test if your pear butter is ready, put a small amount on a cold plate. If it doesn’t spread, it’s done.

Store your chai-spiced pear butter in clean, sterilized jars. It will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

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Try these tasty ways to enjoy your pear butter:

  • Spread on toast or English muffins
  • Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
  • Use as a cake or muffin filling
  • Serve with cheese and crackers

Remember to label your jars with the date you made the butter. This helps you keep track of freshness and enjoy your delicious creation at its best.