A versatile way to use up pears (and apples if you have them). With yoghurt these can be breakfast, with mascarpone or whipped cream and honey these make a delicious dessert, with cheese these round off a meal in a sophisticated way.
5 pears
2 cinnamon sticks
1 star anise
8 cloves
150g sugar
250ml white wine
1tsp apple cider vinegar
200ml water
Juice and zest of one lemon
Simmer all ingredients except for the pears for ten minutes.
Sterilise the jar (wash in hot soapy water, do not dry, place on a baking tray and place in the oven for 20 minutes at 150 degrees celsius).
Peel, quarter and core the pears.
Simmer for no longer than 8 minutes in the liquid.
Taste. You might want more sugar, more citrus juice - up to you!
Place the pear quarters in the jar with the cinnamon sticks and the cloves. Strain the rest of the liquid into the jar.
