Pear Butter (Kopie)

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Ingredients
•10 ripe pears, peeled and cored
•1 cup water
•1/4 cup unsweetened orange juice
•1 ½ cups sugar or Splenda
•1 tsp fresh grated orange zest (optional)
•1 tsp apple pie spice (optional)

Instructions
Cut pears into quarters and place in large saucepan with water. Cover and place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes, or until pears are soft. Drain water and press pears through a food mill or puree in food processor, then return to saucepan with orange juice, sugar or Splenda, zest and apple pie spice (if desired- recommended for spread but not necessary for baking uses). Simmer 15 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens. Skim off foam, and store refrigerated in an airtight jar or container.