Birchwood Cafe Pear Cranberry Chutney

There's a lot in the Birchwood name. Established in 1926 by the Bursch family, the cafe was originally a dairy. In the 1940's, Cy and Del Bursch converted the dairy into a neighborhood grocery. In 1995, Cy and Del handed the Birchwood Store over and once again the Birchwood was reborn, this time as the Birchwood Cafe. Keeping the traditions of freshness and community alive, the Birchwood is a friendly place to find good food and good people. Seventeen years (and counting!) later, the Birchwood is not just for neighbors anymore. Now a popular destination, people drive from miles around to feel right at home. Their menu has everything from breakfast through dinner and brunches as well as a fine catering service.

Birchwood Cafe Pear Cranberry Chutney


Makes about 4 pints
8 medium pears, peeled, cored, and diced
6 cups cranberries
1 cup red wine
Juice of 2 oranges, juiced orange halves reserved
1 cup apple cider
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 to 5 inches ginger, minced (1/4 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
Salt and finely ground black pepper

Put the pears, cranberries, wine, orange juice, orange halves, apple cider, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic into a large pot. Add the cinnamon, cloves, and a little salt and pepper. Set the pot over low heat, and bring the contents to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is very thick, about 20 to 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove the orange halves, and ladle the chutney into sterilized jars. Cover and cool the jars before storing them in the refrigerator.