Pennsylvania Ginger Pears

Sweet pears, stewed in a lemon-ginger sauce make an elegant side dish for special holiday dinners.

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds firm, ripe pears
• 1/2 cup slivered lemon rind
• 12 cups water
• 1 tbsp cracked ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 pounds light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions:

Peel, core and quarter pears and place into a 5 quart saucepan. Boil lemon rind in water 10 minutes, drain and discard water. Add rind to pears. Tie ginger in a cheesecloth sachet and add pears with remaining ingredients. Simmer 1 hour or until pears are soft and transclucent, stirring frequently. Remove cheesecloth and serve.

Number of Servings: 2 1/2 pints

Notes from the Cook: Add Pennsylvania Ginger Pears to your Thanksgiving table as a side condiment. They are also delicious on poundcake and used on left over turkey sandwiches.