Simple Pear Preserves

Pears are one of my favorite fruits. This year has been a great pear year for some reason. This is the way my Mom made Pear Preserves. Simple and Easy. What I like is you start it one day and finish it the next.

Simple Pear Preserves
about 5 half-pints
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3 cups sugar, divided
3 cups water
6-8 medium halved or quartered, peeled, cored pears (about 3 pounds)
1/2 cup thinly sliced and seeded lemon ( about 1 lemon)

Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and water in a large saucepot. Cook rapidly 2 minutes. Add pear; boil gently 15 minutes. Add remaining sugar and sliced lemon, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook rapidly until fruit is transparent. Cover and let stand 12-24 hours in a cool place. Remove pears from syrup, set aside. Cook syrup 20-25 minutes or longer, until thicken. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary. Pack pears into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Ladle hot syrup over pears, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Adjust two-piece caps. Process 20 minutes in a boiling-water canner.

Cook's Note: A piece of candied ginger may be added to each jar.