Pear Preserves

Pear Preserves
(Texas State Fair Winner 1986)

6 c. pears, peeled, cored and sliced
1 c. water
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 pkg. powdered pectin
9 c. sugar
2 tsp. ground nutmeg

Combine pears, water and lemon juice in large saucepan. Simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in pectin and bring to full rolling boil, stirring frequently. Add sugar. Return to full rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring. Remove from heat; add nutmeg. Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Adjust caps. Process 10 minutes in boiling water bath. Yield: 6 half-pints. Can be made with apples.