Pickled Pigs' Ears, Chinese Style

2 pounds Pigs' ears
4 Whole star anise
3 slices Fresh ginger root
1/2 cup White vinegar
1/4 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup White vinegar
1 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon Thinly sliced fresh ginger root
3 Cloves garlic sliced
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Sliced carrots
1 Cucumber, unpeeled seeded
cut in chunks
1 Red onion cut in chunks
1 Bell pepper cut in chunks