PRESERVED PEARS

Preserved some pears, very easy:

4 kg pears peeled, cored and quartered
4 cups sugar
6 cups water
spice like star anise or fennel, optional

Bring everything except the pears, to a rolling boil. Add the pears, wait for the syrup to boil again and set time for 5 minutes.
When the syrup has boiled for 5 minutes, scoop out the pears into sterilised bottles, filling the bottles to the top.
Cover the pears with the cooked syrup, and if preferred add the spice.
Wipe the bottles clean, seal the bottles tightly with sterilised lids and turn the bottles upside down to cool down properly before storing.

Recipe and photo: Natacha Visagie