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2 large firm, but ripe pears, halved, cored and cut into
1/4 inch cubes (preferably Bartlett, Comice or Forelle pears)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup pear eau-de-vie
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup honey
Pinch of salt

In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the pears, water, lemon juice, eau-de-vie and spices, mix well. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until almost all the liquid has evaporated and the pears are very tender. Add the honey and salt and mix well. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and aromatic and the pears have broken down. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a nonreactive container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Makes about 1 cup.