Ginger Pear Chutney

Ingredients

• 10 cups peeled chopped pears
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup seedless raisin
• 1 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger
• 3 cups cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. 1

   In large preserving kettle or dutch oven, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring frequently.

2. 2

   Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours, continuing to stir occasionally.

3. 3

   Remove from heat and pour into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/8 inch headspace. Add lids and rings and process jars in a boiling water bath in a canner for 15 minutes. Take the canner off the heat and let water stop boiling before removing jars. Carefully remove jars and let sit. As they cool, the jars will seal themselves with a"pop". Label, and store in cool, dry, dark place.

4. 4

   To prepare the jars, I first wash them in the dishwasher, or in the sink with very hot, soapy water, then rinse them well and put them in a warm oven, taking the jars out one or two at a time when filling them.

5. 5

   I soak the lids in very hot water and put them immediately from the hot water onto the filled jars, making sure the rims of the jars are clean, then add the rings (which I've also soaked in hot water) and screw them on the jars just finger tight.