Wash the pears well. Peel the skin and remove the cores. Dice the pears into small cubes. Smaller pieces cook faster and help create a smooth preserve texture.

Place the chopped pears into a large cooking pot. Add water and place the pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally so the fruit does not stick.

Allow the pears to cook for about 10 minutes. The fruit will start to soften and release natural juices. Stir gently to keep the mixture from burning.

Pour the sugar into the pot. Add lemon juice. Stir slowly until the sugar begins to dissolve. The mixture will become glossy and slightly syrupy.

Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the pot. Stir gently to spread the spices evenly. These spices give the preserves a warm and comforting flavor.

Reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pears cook evenly and the syrup thickens.

Use a potato masher to mash some of the pears. Leave a few small chunks for texture. This step helps create a nice thick preserve consistency.

Stir in the vanilla extract near the end of cooking. This adds a soft sweetness and deeper flavor to the preserves.

Place a small spoonful on a cold plate. If it thickens slightly, the preserves are ready. If not, cook for five more minutes.

Carefully pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars. Leave a little space at the top. Seal with lids and allow the jars to cool completely.