Pear Butter

7 pounds medium pears -- quartered, cored
4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup orange juice

Prepare Ball brand or Kerr brand jars and closures according to manufacturer's instructions.

Cook pears until soft, adding only enough water to prevent sticking (about 1/2 cup). Press through sieve or food mill. Measure 2 quarts pulp; combine with sugar in a large saucepot, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add remaining ingredients, cook until thick enough to round up on a spoon. As mixture thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Carefully ladle hot butter into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a nonmetallic spatula. Wipe jar rim clean. Place lid on jar with sealing compound next to glass. Screw band down evenly and firmly just until a point of resistance is met -- fingertip tight.

Process 10 minutes in a boiling-water canner. At elevations higher than 1,000 feet, boil 2 additional minutes for each additional 1,000 feet elevation.

This recipe yields about 4 pints.

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