Pear and Ginger Chutney

Make spiced pear and ginger chutney with juicy pears, sultanas and warming spices, a lovely homemade accompaniment to cheese boards, ham sandwiches and savoury pies.

CHRISTMAS

10/17/20262 min read

Homemade apple ginger chutney served in a black ceramic bowl on a rustic burlap mat with candied ginger pieces.

Spiced Pear and Ginger Chutney: A Cheese Board's Best Friend

If you've ever stood at a cheese counter in winter and wished you had something sweet, tangy and warm to spoon beside the brie, this is it. Spiced pear and ginger chutney is soft and golden, with little bursts of sultana and a warm ginger kick that tingles at the back of the throat. It's the jar I'd give to anyone who loves a cheese board, a ham sandwich or a pie.

It's easy, too. You chop, you simmer, you stir now and then, and the house smells like Christmas. It's a lovely gift for the neighbour, the teacher, the in-laws or anyone who's impossible to buy for.

Packaging and Gifting

• Jars: 250 ml jars are generous. If you'd like to give more people a gift, spoon into 125 ml jars and make eight small ones. Use lids with a plastic lining, as vinegar can corrode bare metal.

• Decorate: cover the lid with a circle of cream or tartan fabric, tied with kitchen twine or ribbon. Tuck a small paper tag under the bow with a drawing of a pear.

• Label wording: Spiced Pear and Ginger Chutney. Made on [date]. Contains mustard. Refrigerate after opening.

• Gift tag message: "Spoon it beside your favourite cheese. Merry Christmas, from my kitchen to yours."

• Pairing ideas:

- A wedge of brie, blue or aged cheddar (delivered cold, with a note to refrigerate).

- A box of plain water crackers or oatcakes.

- A small wooden cheese knife.

Making It With the Grandkids

• Ages 3 and up: wash the pears, measure out dry spices into a small bowl and sniff each one.

• Ages 5 and up: peel the pears with a peeler (supervised) and squeeze the lemon.

• Ages 7 and up: grate the ginger on a box grater, with an adult nearby.

• Ages 8 and up: make the labels, cut the fabric circles and tie the ribbons.

Chopping, stirring, sterilising and jar filling stay with the grown-ups. Keep children away from the stove and oven.

Kim's Tips ♥

• ♥ Use firm pears. Soft ones turn to mush before the chutney has thickened.

• ♥ Cut the pieces the same size so they cook evenly.

• ♥ Give it time. It's much better after a fortnight in the cupboard.

• ♥ Taste on a cracker with a bit of cheese. That's the real test.

• ♥ Stir often at the end, because sugar likes to stick.

• ♥ Make a double batch if you've got a pear tree that is overflowing.

• ♥ Open the windows. The vinegar steam can make your eyes water.

• ♥ Keep a jar for Boxing Day sandwiches.

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This post is part of my Edible Gifts From the Kitchen series. You can find more edible gifts, plus loads of delicious Christmas recipes here.

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With love, Kim xx

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