Spiced Vanilla Pear & Apple Jam - sugar-free!

This is the most delicious jam!  It's perfect for the fall when apples and pears are ripe!  I canned a big batch of spiced vanilla pear jam with my friend Julie.  (We used this recipe using all pears).  However, I wanted to just be able to whip some together anytime without having to deal with peeling and chopping so much fruit and canning things.   I also used local fresh apple cider.  This jam is great and easy to whip together and use or pop in the refrigerator.  It's a great spice and vanilla-filled jam for fall. Enjoy!

Finished spiced vanilla pear & apple jam in a 2 cup and 1 cup containers

Spiced Vanilla Pear & Apple Jam
Makes ~2 cups

Combine in a metal medium-sized saucepan:
1 lb apples, peeled & chopped 
1 lb ripe pears, peeled & finely diced
1 cup apple cider
2 tsp fresh lime or lemon juice
3/4 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla bean paste (OR 2 tsp vanilla extract & scraped out insides from 1 vanilla bean pod)
1/3 tsp ground cardamom

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.  Lower heat to medium-low and allow to simmer ~45-50 minutes, stirring regularly so it doesn't stick to the bottom.

Mixture just coming to a boil, before 45 minutes of simmering.

It will thicken naturally (apple has natural pectin), and so should make a nice, lumpy jam.  It's so delicious, the kids wanted to eat it by the spoonful!   Store in a covered glass container and use within 2-3 weeks.
Enjoy!