Happy St. Patrick's Day - Minted Pears!!!
It ain't easy being green.....unless you're Irish?! Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! I'm not Irish, but I know lots of folks are. It's a great day to celebrate any way you look at it. My son wore green to school today and he asked if I could make something green tonight to go with supper (not broccoli, of course). I have just the treat! It's green, minty, and unlike anything else you have ever experienced. I'm talking about Minted Pears!
I grew up enjoying these. It's something my mom made when I was a child and that tradition has continued until she showed me how to make them five years ago. It's fun to make a batch of this to enjoy throughout the year. I have one or two cans left for tonight (a fun surprise for my family). I haven't met a single person who doesn't like this delicious dessert.
So, in true green fashion today, I want to share this fun recipe with you. It's not as daunting as you might think.....canning is sometimes overwhelming to some. This isn't a recipe you will make in a minute and enjoy right away, but I can assure you it is worth making so you can enjoy this yumminess for days to come.
Without further adieu, I give you:
Minted Pears!
Prepare pint jars for canning.
4 3/4 cups very light syrup (see below)
7 pounds of pears
Ascorbic acid color keeper (Fruit Fresh)
2/3 cup green Cream de Menthe (or more to taste)
green food coloring (optional)
Very Light Syrup (yields 4 3/4 cups):
1 cup sugar
4 cups water
To prepare syrup, combine sugar and water in a 4 to 6 quart kettle or Dutch oven. Dissolve sugar over medium heat. Keep hot but not boiling.
Wash, peel, halve, and core pears. While preparing fruit, put pears in a bowl and add color keeper.
When finished preparing pears, add the Cream de Menthe into syrup and stir. Add green food coloring, if desired.
Add pears. Heat 2 to 3 minutes.
Pack hot pears into hot jars, leaving a little headspace. Cover with hot syrup leaving an inch headspace. Adjust lids.
Process in boiling water bath (pints) 25 minutes. Makes 7 pints.
*Warning - Minted Pears are so good that you may eat quite a few resulting in green teeth and lips. :) Don't worry....it's not permanent!I Hope you try out this recipe.
I know you and your family will enjoy it. I love to hear feedback so I hope to hear from you - comment below or send me a message!
Enjoy! ~Cheyenne
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