Imagine spreading a luxurious jam that combines the delicate sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, velvety embrace of dark chocolate. This isn't just another ordinary preserve – it's a culinary adventure that will transform your morning toast into a gourmet experience. Our Spiced Pear and Chocolate Jam is a French-inspired delicacy that promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your breakfast game with its unexpected blend of flavors and aromatic spices.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 3 jars
Ingredients
- 4 cups pears, peeled and diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Peel and dice the pears into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Measure out the sugar, dark chocolate, grated ginger, and vanilla extract, and set them aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the diced pears and sugar. Stir the mixture gently to coat the pears with the sugar, allowing the natural juices to start releasing. Let this sit for about 10 minutes.
- After the pears have released some juice, place the pot over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the pears have softened, about 15 minutes.
- Once the pears are softened, add the grated ginger and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce the heat back to medium and continue to cook the jam for an additional 20 minutes. During this time, the mixture will thicken. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped dark chocolate. Mix until the chocolate is completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the jam.
- To test the consistency of the jam, place a small spoonful on a plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it's ready. If not, return it to the heat and cook for a few more minutes.
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Carefully ladle the warm jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue.
- Seal the jars with their lids while the jam is still warm. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place.
- Your Spiced Pear and Chocolate Jam is now ready to enjoy! Use it on toast, in desserts, or as a delicious topping for cheese plates.
Tips
- Choose ripe, firm pears for the best texture and flavor. Bosc or Anjou pears work exceptionally well in this recipe.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content to ensure a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- Grate fresh ginger for a more vibrant and intense spice profile compared to pre-ground ginger.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during cooking.
- Sterilize your jars properly to extend the shelf life of your jam and prevent bacterial growth.
- Allow the jam to cool slightly before adding chocolate to prevent it from burning or becoming grainy.
- Test the jam's consistency by using the "cold plate method" – if it wrinkles when you run your finger through it, it's ready.
- Store the jam in a cool, dark place or refrigerate to maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3-4 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
