The following sauce is a variation on applesauce and can be served on its own or as an accompaniment to meats.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 4 cups

　　10 small ripe pears (about 3 pounds)

　　1 cup pear nectar

　　4 dried pear halves, chopped (available at health foods stores and  specialty foods shops)

　　1/4 cup sugar, or to taste

　　2 tablespoons unsalted butter

　　1 tablespoon julienne strips peeled fresh ginger

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　1 cinnamon stick

　　1 teaspoon vanilla

　　

Step 1

Peel, core, and finely chop fresh pears. In a saucepan simmer fresh pears, nectar, dried pears, sugar, butter, ginger, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt until pears are tender, about 25 minutes. Remove pan from heat and stir in vanilla. Discard cinnamon stick.

　　

Step 2

Force pear mixture through a food mill or ricer, or in a food processor purée to desired consistency.