Pear Mincemeat

7 pounds cooking pears
1 pound raisins
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups vinegar
2 lemons, grated (juice and rind)
3 pounds granulated sugar

Grind together the pears and raisins. Add all remaining ingredients. Cook until thick and seal in jars while hot. Allow to age for several weeks.

Yields at least 8 pints.

Pear Mincemeat Pie:
Add 1/2 cup broken nuts, 1 tablespoon rum or rum flavoring and 1 apple, peeled and finely diced, to 3 cups Pear Mincemeat. Pour into unbaked 9-inch pie shell, cover with a lattice of pastry and bake.