Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Bosc pears
  • 1 cup dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts

Method

  • Peel, core, and cut pears into 1/2 inch cubes. There should be about 4 cups of fruit.
  • Combine pears, dried cherries, vinegar, sugar, ginger, pepper, and salt in a heavy large saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature. Cover, and refrigerate overnight. Can be prepared 4 days ahead.
  • Toast hazelnuts at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) on an ungreased baking sheet for 5 to 8 minutes. Husk the nuts, and chop coarsely. Stir into pear conserve. Serve at room temperature.