Spicy Pear Spread

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin

2 cups peeled, cored, chopped pears (about 4 pears)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

8 whole cloves

2 one-inch pieces of cinnamon stick

Artificial sweetener to taste

1.      Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl and let stand 5 minutes to soften.

2.      In a medium saucepan, combine the pears, lemon juice, cloves and cinnamon.  Bring to a boil; reduce   heat, and simmer, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.  (Or Microwave on High, covered, about 10 minutes.)

3.      Stir the gelatin mixture into the cooked pears until the gelatin dissolves.  Discard the cloves and cinnamon,

if desired.  Add sweetener to taste.

     4.  Ladle into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headroom.  Store, well sealed, in the refrigerator or freezer.