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Friday, September 4, 2009

New kid on the block and pear preserves



We have a new member of the family here on the farm today. We now have a Great Pyrenees puppy. She is 6 months old and already weighs 60 lbs. She is a sweet heart named Luna. She was introduced to the chickens when she got here and didn't get antsy about chasing or hurting them at all. And she don't mind the cats, but they are very uneasy around her. She has already let the cats know that they are not welcome to eat her food. This breed of dog are easily trained to care for animals and critters on the farm. This is why she is going to be a valuable asset here. Luna seems very content so far and I am sure much to the delight of her former owners. Thanks Eric and Crystal.
Some friends have ask me to post a recipe that I use for pear preserves. This recipe is very easy and delicious. So here goes.

Pear Preserves:

Pick pears from the tree a week or so before canning them as they do not ripen on the tree.
4 cups of pears, peeled, cored and sliced in small slices
2 cups of sugar

Let pears stand overnight covered with the sugar. In the morning put on low heat and cook slowly till thick and tender. They should be an amber color.
When the preserves are to desired thickness, ladle into hot pint jars leaving 1/4 inch head space and put on hot lids. Then you can process in hot water bath for 20 minutes.
I personally do not water bath jams, jellys, or preserves. But canning books recommend it.
*The liquid part of the preserves should be the consistency of warm honey. These have the richness of honey. Enjoy.
Till next time, blessings from the McGuire homestead.

stella

3 comments:

gregabob said...

What a fine looking addition to the family! And she's still a pup! You prolly need a good watchdog with all the critters runnin around them parts. Good that she has already learned the chickens are to be protected not chased. The pear preserves recipe sounds good. I'm going to be pickling some more beets this weekend.

Jen said...

What a good lookin' dog! Im glad you got you a dog to look after the farm and the other animals. Great Pyro's are great dogs. ~jen

stella said...

Hi ya'll, gosh I am gonna have a hard time not spoiling this puppy rotten, she is such a sweet critter. Very well behaved to be a puppy.
Greg glad to hear ya gettin some canning experience, that is a skill that will last a lifetime.

stella