Syrup-preserved pears

Method

1. Half-fill a large bowl with cold water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Peel the pears and cut in half; if they’re very small you can leave them whole. Leave the stalks on if you like how they look, but you can remove them if you prefer. Use a melon baller or teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and core. Add the pears to the bowl of lemon water as you go to prevent them from oxidising and turning brown.

2. Put the sugar and spices in a pan along with 800ml water and bring to the boil. Drain the pears and add to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, then transfer the pears using a slotted spoon to sterilised jars and carefully pour in the hot syrup. Ensure the pears are fully submerged in the syrup, then seal.

3. Put the jars in a large pan and fill with enough water to cover them completely. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the jars and leave to cool. The sealed jars can be kept at room temperature for up to a year. Once opened, keep them in the fridge and eat within 2 weeks.