Caramel Pear Butter

Step 1: In a pot combine the apple juice and 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Peel, core and cut the pears, 1 at a time into small pieces (about 1/2 inch or so)and drop them as soon as they are cut into the apple juice mixture.

Step 2: Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently (about 15-20 minutes); reduce heat to medium low and simmer until pears are tender, stirring frequently (20 minutes). Remove pan from heat.

Step 3: Press pear mixture through a fine sieve or the fine plate of a food mill into a large bowl.Return pear puree to the same pot, adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, sugar, nutmeg and 2/3 teaspoon of the salt and bring to boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer uncovered until pear butter thickens and is reduced to 8 cups, stirring every 5 minutes -- this will take one hour or so.

Step 4: Ladle pear butter into 8 hot clean 1/2 pint glass canning jars; leaving 1/4 inch space at the top of jars. Remove air bubbles. Wipe threads and rims with a clean damp cloth. Cover with hot lids, apply screw bands.

Step 5: Process jars in pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 6: Store in cool dark place for up to one year.