Ingredients

1. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2. 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
3. 2 ounces fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 1/8 -by-1-inch strips
4. 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
5. Pinch of salt
6. 2 pounds firm pears, such as Bosc, peeled and cut into 1/3 -inch dice
7. 3/4 pound fresh cranberries (about 3 1/2 cups), picked over

Directions

1. In a nonreactive medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, ginger, cayenne and salt and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Add the pears, cover and cook until they are crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Strain and transfer the pears to a bowl. Return the liquid to the pan.
2. Add the cranberries to the liquid. Cover and cook over moderate heat until the berries just begin to pop, about 3 minutes. Strain into a bowl and add the cranberries to the pears. Return the liquid to the pan and boil over moderately high heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cranberry mixture and let cool. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Make Ahead

The chutney can be refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days.