You can’t have jammers without jam. You can use your favorite jam from the market, or you can go the extra step and make your own.
I came across this recipe because of the cookies I wanted to use it in, but I am glad to have found it. It is super easy to make. I think I like it best stirred into some yogurt or as a topping for vanilla ice cream. It is sweet and delicious and reminds me a little of a fruit cup you might eat in grade school. I know that doesn’t sound like a compliment, but it is— those things were good. It would also make a great filling for a coffee cake (yes, all I think about is coffee cake).
I didn’t bother processing this, since I new it was going to used quickly. But you certainly can. With all of that sugar, and some acid, It will keep for a few weeks in the fridge without any problem. If you are going to make this and use it as a topping for the jammers you might want to blitz it in the food processor to break down the chunks of pear.
Happy jamming!
Lemony Pineapple-Pear Preserves (Recipe adapted slightly from the Sarabeth’s Bakery Cookbook by Sarabeth Levine)
- 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 6-8 ripe Bartlett pears (about 4 pounds), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 vanilla bean
In a food processor, chop the pineapple coarsely. Strain the juices into a large, nonreactive, saucepan. Reserve the pineapple pieces and pulp. Add the pears to the pineapple juices in the pan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the pears are tender, about 15 minutes.
Add the reserved pineapple, sugar and lemon juice and stir to combine. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the pot and add the half bean, return pot to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the pears are soft and chunky and the mixtures has thickened a little, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and discard vanilla bean.
Process or refrigerate preserves until ready to use. Makes 4 pints.
elizabeth / sophisticated pie says:
February 28th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
Thanks, Tim! I’ve been waiting for this since I read about the jammers. I’m going to try it for sure…. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says:
February 28th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Ever since last May I have been a bit obsessed with making jam. You have now given me another wonderful recipe to make – this sounds absolutely divine! Have a terrific week!
georgine says:
February 28th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Could you freeze the jam? Does the recipe make a lot? Thanks, it sounds delicious!
aecummings2 says:
February 28th, 2011 at 9:38 pm
“Jammers” have totally taken over my mind. I bought the pears and pineapple yesterday and was kicking myself for having given away all my canning supplies years ago…. then the voice or reason: namely Tim: “I didn’t bother to process…” yeah, like fourish pints of jam could ever last long enough to spoil in the fridge! Thanks for thinking things through, Tim!
Allison (allisoncooks) says:
February 28th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
About how much jam does this recipe yield??
Tim says:
February 28th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
4 pints.
Tim says:
February 28th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Georgine, I wouldn’t freeze. It makes 4 pints. I would either properly can them, or give a couple to friends and keep a couple in the fridge.
ae, ha!
Rachel says:
February 28th, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Adding the vanilla bean sounds divine! I will definitely have to try this very very soon.
Aveen says:
March 1st, 2011 at 3:11 am
I haven’t had pineapple jam for years even though it used to be my favourite. Your photos are making me crave some of it with thick slices of toast :)
Reesa says:
March 1st, 2011 at 7:02 am
I am all over this. Thanks Tim!
linda says:
March 1st, 2011 at 12:58 pm
i like your great idea of making these fab preserves & giving to friends w/o the entire canning thing.
i met sarabeth @ a book signing last year & she is truly so very passionate & gracious!
i agree with you tim…her cookbook is magnificent…from the layouts, paper & certainly recipes!
SMITH BITES says:
March 1st, 2011 at 9:32 pm
oh yes i do – i love this recipe; you’re right on target about swirling some of this into yogurt or even better, coffeecake!!
E says:
March 1st, 2011 at 11:01 pm
so glad you posted this! i was hoping it would pop up after the mention in those cookies…
Shaheen {The Purple Foodie} says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 6:43 am
If there is one fruit I just cannot eat, it’s pineapple. It’s way too acidic for me! You know what I secretly hope? That’s you’d make more chocolate-y goodies (I know you’re not a fan, but still…)
Tim says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 7:00 am
Oh Shaheen, as much as I’d like to help–I just really don’t care about chocolate. But there are like 17 million chocolate recipes on other sites, so I think you’ll find some good stuff. ; )
Kasey says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 12:56 pm
I never think of pineapple in jam. Shame! Thank you for the inspiration, Tim.
lo says:
March 2nd, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Lemony pineapple pear. I’m letting the sound of that roll around on my tongue for a while. Imagining the citrusy element… the texture of the pear… the puckery sweetness of the pineapple. Sounds fabulous.
Thinking this could have some VERY interesting savory applications as well…
Deena says:
March 7th, 2011 at 8:10 am
This looks lovely! I’m totally bookmarking this for the next pear harvest…
dinnertonight says:
March 8th, 2011 at 12:48 am
this looks lovely and very unique. i would think with the pineapple/ lemon that it would have enough acidity to stay shelf stable at room temp if properly processed. do you have any idea about processing time for 1/2 pint jars? thanks!
Jenny says:
March 9th, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Just made the preserves and jammers cookies today – delicious! I tasted the jam in the beginning stages of cooking and was worried it might be a little too sweet so I added the zest of 1 lemon. This gave it a nice zip. Be forewarned: these are addictive!
Tim says:
March 9th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Hey Jenny, it is sweet–I bet the added lemon zest was nice. Will try that next time. Thanks for checking in.
Susan says:
March 12th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Made this today, but I water bath processed it. It tasted delicious. I hope it sets up well.
sheila @ Elements says:
March 18th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
This sounds awesome!!! Would be wonderful spread on a slice or two of bread that’s just come out of the oven. Yummmmm!!!
Mugsy says:
May 9th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
The Jammers were so delicious! I decided to make this jam today. (too late for zest- a great idea) Using 8 regular sized Bartlett pears and one nice sized pineapple, (vanilla bean paste) my yield was just 2 1/2 pints! Maybe weighing the pears would have made a difference?