Pickled Pears

• 2 tablespoons mixed pickling spices
• 2 teaspoons whole cloves
• 2 (2-inch) pieces fresh gingerroot
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 dozen firm, ripe pickling pears
• 6 cups sugar
• 1 quart white vinegar
• 1 quart water
• 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candy (optional)

1. Combine pickling spices, cloves, gingerroot, and lemon; tie in a cheesecloth bag. Set aside.
2. Peel pears, leaving whole with stem intact. Set aside.
3. Combine spice bag, sugar, vinegar, water, and cinnamon candy, if desired, .in a stainless steel stockpot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add pears, a few at a time; simmer 15 minutes or just until tender. Remove from heat; cool pears in syrup to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate 12 to 18 hours. Remove spice bag; discard. Bring mixture to a boil.
4. Quickly pack pears into hot sterilized jars, and cover with syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Cover with metal lids, and screw bands tight. Process pears in boiling-water bath 15 minutes.

mixed pickling, whole cloves, fresh gingerroot, lemon, sugar, white vinegar, water, red hot cinnamon

Taken from www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pickled-pears (may not work)