Spiced Sickle Pears
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Pickles
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 20
 

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar -- or to taste
1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar -- at least 5 % acidity
1 stick cinnamon
6 pieces allspice berries
3 pounds seckle pears -- or other small
4 cups boiling to cover
 

Preparation:

Combine the sugar, vinegar and spices in a nonreactive pot. Cover and bring to a boil; boil lightluy for about 5 minutes until sugar disolves. Add the pears and enough boiling water to cover them. Lower the heat and poach the pears for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Do NOT LET THEM GET MUSHY. Remove the pears with a slotted spoon and put thenm in a covered container. Reduce the syrup over high heat until it is thickened. Let the syrup cool and then pour it through a seive over the pears. Serve them at room temperature or warm. They will keep for weeks in the fridge.