Sweet Pickled Pears

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pears, firm-ripe (such as Bosc or Anjou) (Approximately 6-8 medium pears)
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup Water
• 2 whole Cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon Whole cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Allspice berries

Instructions

1. 1Wash the pears thoroughly. Peel, core, and halve or quarter the pears, depending on desired size. Place them in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice (optional) to prevent browning while you prepare the pickling liquid.
2. 2In a large, non-reactive pot (such as stainless steel or enamel), combine the granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and allspice berries. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. 3Drain the prepared pears and carefully add them to the boiling pickling syrup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently until the pears are tender-crisp, about 10-15 minutes. The pears should be cooked through but still hold their shape and have a slight bite. Avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy.
4. 4Carefully transfer the hot pears and pickling syrup into clean, sterilized pint-sized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Ensure pears are fully submerged in the liquid. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars. Wipe the rims clean, then seal with new lids and rings. Allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. For longer storage (up to 1 year), process jars in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary.