Holiday Spiced Pickled Pears

🍐 Ingredients (Makes ~2 pint jars)

• 3–4 firm pears (Bosc or Anjou work best)

• 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup sugar (use white, brown, or a mix)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4–6 whole cloves

• 2 star anise

• ½ tsp whole allspice

• 1 strip orange peel (fresh, wide strip)

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

• ¼ tsp salt

Optional flavor upgrades:

• 2–3 cardamom pods

• ½ vanilla bean (split)

• A splash of bourbon for a deeper winter note

🍐 Instructions

1. Prep the pears

• Peel pears, cut into halves or quarters.

• Remove seeds and core.

• Keep in cold water with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning.

2. Make the spiced brine

In a saucepan combine:

• vinegar

• water

• sugar

• salt

• all spices + orange peel

Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.

3. Add pears to the brine

• Add pears to the simmering brine.

• Simmer 4–7 minutes until just tender but not mushy.
  (They should hold their shape.)

4. Jar and cool

• Using a slotted spoon, pack pears into clean jars.

• Pour hot brine over top, covering fruit fully.

• Add the aromatics between jars for even flavor.

5. Chill and rest

• Let jars cool to room temp.

• Refrigerate.

• Best flavor after 24–48 hours.
  Keeps 3–4 weeks in the fridge.

How to Use Holiday Pickled Pears

• Serve with roast turkey, ham, or pork loin

• Add to cheese boards (pairs excellent with blue cheese, aged cheddar, gouda)

• Spoon over yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream

• Add slices to holiday cocktails (bourbon, gin, or sparkling wine)

• Chop into salads with candied pecans + greens