Pears Exotica

Directions

1. 1
   Prepare jars, lids and bands.
2. 2
   Peel, halve and core pears.
3. 3
   Place in a color protection solution made of 4 Tbsp Fruit Fresh dissolved in 8 cups water, if desired.
4. 4
   Set aside.
5. 5
   With vegetable peeler remove the zest from lemons in a continuous spiral; cut into 4 pieces.
6. 6
   Squeeze lemon juice.
7. 7
   In a large stainless steel saucepan combine sugar, water, vinegar and lemon juice.
8. 8
   Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
9. 9
   Drain pears and add to syrup; cook mixture until liquid returns to a boil and pears are heated through.
10. 10
    Place 1 strip lemon peel, 1 bay leaf, 3 pink and 3 green peppercorns in a hot jar.
11. 11
    Pack hot pears snugly into prepared jars leaving a 3/4 inch headspace.
12. 12
    Pour 1/4 cup of brandy over pears.
13. 13
    Add hot syrup to cover pears leaving a 1/2 inch headspace.
14. 14
    Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if equired, by adding more pears, spices and hot syrup.
15. 15
    Process filled jars for 20 minutes in a boiling water bath.
16. 16
    Adjust time according to your altitude.