Chocolate Pear Amaretto Jam: A Decadent Spread for All Seasons
A smooth blend that brings artisanal sophistication to toast, cheese, or desserts.
Few preserves evoke the intrigue and delight of chocolate pear amaretto jam. This recipe transforms ripe, succulent pears into a deeply flavored spread, elevated by bittersweet chocolate and the almond-scented warmth of Amaretto liqueur. Whether spooned onto toast, layered in desserts, or given as an artisanal gift, this jam captures the spirit of home preservation and the creativity of modern flavor combinations.
Why Make Chocolate Pear Amaretto Jam?
- Unique Blend: Fuses mellow pear, rich cocoa, and aromatic amaretto for depth and complexity not found in traditional jams.
- Versatile Uses: Delicious on breads, paired with cheeses, or as an unexpected ingredient in desserts.
- Gift-Worthy: Its elegant flavor makes it a memorable, homemade holiday gift.
- Preserving Pear Season: Captures the bounty of ripe pears at their peak, allowing you to enjoy their flavor year-round.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds ripe pears (about 7-8 medium Bartlett or similar, peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (at least 70% cacao), finely chopped
- 1/3 cup Amaretto liqueur
You may substitute another almond liqueur, or omit if desired for a non-alcoholic version.
Equipment
- Wide, non-reactive preserving pan or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized canning jars (5-6 half-pint or 10-12 four-ounce jars)
- Water bath canner with rack
- Jar lifter, funnel, and clean kitchen towels
- Instant-read or candy thermometer (for accuracy)
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Step-by-Step: Making Chocolate Pear Amaretto Jam
1. Prepare Your Jars and Water Bath
- Wash your jars, lids, and bands with hot, soapy water. Rinse well.
- Sterilize jars by boiling for 10 minutes or using the dishwasher’s sterilize cycle.
- Prepare a boiling water bath canner with a rack at the bottom. Begin heating water so it’s ready for processing when the jam is finished.
2. Prep the Pears
- Peel, core, and finely chop pears.
- Combine chopped pears and lemon juice in your pan to prevent browning.
- Add 2 tablespoons water to help the fruit start cooking gently.
3. Cook the Fruit
- Bring pears, lemon juice, and water to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until pears soften and begin to break down, about 12-15 minutes.
4. Add Sugar and Spices
- Stir in sugar and cinnamon.
- Increase heat to medium-high.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and approaches 220°F (the standard jam ‘set point’), about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add the Chocolate and Amaretto
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Immediately add chopped chocolate and Amaretto liqueur.
- Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is glossy and uniform.
6. Test for Set and Adjust Consistency
- To test set, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. After 1 minute, run your finger through the jam: it should wrinkle slightly and not flow back immediately.
- If not yet set, return the pan to heat and cook 2-3 minutes longer. Repeat as needed.
7. Jar the Jam
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Wipe jar rims with a damp towel to ensure a proper seal.
- Apply lids and bands, tightening to fingertip-tight.
8. Process in a Water Bath
- Lower jars into the boiling water bath canner, ensuring jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
- Process for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
- After 10 minutes, use a jar lifter to transfer jars to a towel-lined counter.
- Let jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
9. Store Properly
- Check lids for seal; lids should not flex up and down when pressed.
- Label sealed jars and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
- Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use within 2-3 weeks.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pear Amaretto Jam
- Choose Ripe, Flavorful Pears: Bartlett or Bosc work best for their sweetness and texture.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: A dark, bittersweet bar (70% cacao or higher) ensures rich flavor without too much sweetness.
- Mind the Set Point: Achieve a temperature of 220°F for proper gel; use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Simply omit the Amaretto for a family-friendly jam with a mild almond undertone, or replace with 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
- Texture Control: For smoother jam, mash pears with a potato masher or puree before adding chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Toast: Spread on warm bakery bread or crusty toast.
- Cheese Boards: Pair with sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or aged cheeses for a sophisticated appetizer.
- Dessert Layer: Swirl into yogurt, ripple into cheesecake batter, or sandwich between cookie layers.
- Gift Giving: Package small jars with pretty labels for holiday gifting or hostess presents.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice It Up: Try a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for enhanced warmth.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in toasted chopped almonds at the end for crunch.
- Vegan/Dairy-Free: Ensure the chocolate is dairy-free; most high-cacao dark chocolates are suitable.
- Sugar Adjustments: For a less sweet jam, reduce sugar by up to 1/2 cup, but be aware that it may affect setting and shelf life.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Tablespoon)
| Calories | Fat (g) | Sugar (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 0.8 | 9.5 | 10 | 0.3 |
Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and batch sizes.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Properly processed, sealed jars keep for up to 1 year in a cool, dark storage area.
- Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2-3 weeks.
- If signs of spoilage appear (off smell, mold, bubbling), discard immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Jam Problems
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jam is too loose/runny | Undercooked or insufficient natural pectin | Return to pan and cook to 220°F, add commercial pectin if needed |
| Chocolate is grainy or seized | Chocolate added over too high heat or with excess moisture | Add chocolate off the heat, stir until melted; ensure pears are mostly softened and not watery when chocolate is added |
| Too sweet | Excess sugar or very sweet pears | Reduce sugar slightly in next batch, add a splash more lemon juice for balance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other liqueurs instead of Amaretto?
A: Yes. Frangelico (hazelnut), orange liqueur, or even bourbon can offer different but complementary flavors. Adjust amounts to taste.
Q: Is it safe to can chocolate jams?
A: According to expert home canning sources, adding small amounts of chocolate to high-acid fruit jams is generally considered safe if proper acidity and processing are maintained. Always use tested recipes and process in a water bath canner.
Q: Can I skip the canning and refrigerate?
A: Absolutely. Spoon hot jam into sterilized jars, seal, cool, and store in the fridge for several weeks. For longer storage, freezing is also an option.
Q: Why did my chocolate not melt smoothly?
A: Chocolate can seize if added to very hot or watery mixtures. Stir gently off heat and use finely chopped, high-quality chocolate for best results.
Q: Can I make this jam sugar-free?
A: Sugar is important for preservation and set. While you can reduce sugar, a completely sugar-free version is not recommended for canning safety. For a lower-sugar, refrigerator jam, experiment with pectin for low-sugar preserves.
Creative Culinary Uses Beyond the Jar
- Cake Filling: Spread between layers for a fruity, chocolatey surprise.
- Glaze: Warm slightly and drizzle over scones, pancakes, or waffles.
- Swirl into Brownies: Drop spoonfuls into brownie batter before baking for added decadence.
- Tart Base: Spread thinly on tart shells under custard or frangipane for depth of flavor.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Jam Repertoire
Chocolate pear Amaretto jam is a celebration of innovation in home preserving. Each spoonful brings together the lush sweetness of pear, the bittersweet allure of chocolate, and the aromatic lift of Amaretto, resulting in a preserve that is both sophisticated and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to the world of homemade jams, this recipe is sure to add extra sparkle to your table, pantry, and gift baskets throughout the year.
References
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