PEAR PRESERVES

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and the water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until the sugar is dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the pears and decrease the heat to low. Simmer until the pears are tender and transparent, an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a rack to cool. Cover and let rest overnight in a cool place, up to 24 hours.
• Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Sterilize five 1-pint canning jars and lids in boiling water, following the manufacturer's instructions (or see Boiling-Water Canning, page 279). Remove the jars from the water and place upside down to drain on the prepared rack. Remove the lids from the water and dry with a clean towel. Turn the sterilized jars right side up on the rack, using tongs or a kitchen towel to protect your hands. When they are cool enough to handle, dry them with a clean towel. Set aside.
• Remove the pears from the syrup. Fill the hot jars according to the procedure for Raspberry Jam (page 289), and pour over the hot syrup, leaving 1/4 inch of headroom. Process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 20 minutes. Store the unopened jars at room temperature for up to 1 year. Once the jars are opened, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
• variation
• For refrigerator preserves, skip the boiling-water canner and refrigerate for up to 1 month.