That canned beef sure sound wonderful but I know it oodles of work and hard work it is.
Givio, anytime your pears or whatever need some thickening...I use the Pomona, it works great. I am so used to making the pear, apple or peach sauce that mine come out just right. I put very little water as I want it to be thick, I add a tiny bit of brown sugar and a tbl of butter and that's it.