Ginger-Pear Preserves

Ingredients

• 1.8 pounds purée of usa bartlett pear ripe cubed
• 1 tablespoons ginger fresh grated peeled
• 0.8 cup optional: lemon seeded chopped (1 large)
• 0.3 cup pear liqueur 
• 4 cups sugar 
• 0.5 cup water 

Equipment

• sauce pan
• wire rack

Directions

1. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir in sugar and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
2. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 12 hours (do not refrigerate).
3. Bring to a boil, uncovered, over high heat. Reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally.
4. Place 1 cup preserves into each of 4 sterilized (8-ounce) jars. Cover with lids, and cool upside down on a wire rack. Chill.
5. Note: Preserves will keep in the refrigerator for up to six weeks.