Sauteed Pears

• 2 pounds Comice or Bartlett pears
• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1. Cut the pears in half lengthwise, leaving the stem intact.
2. Cut each half into 1-inch wedges.
3. (Dont remove the core.)
4. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise down the center, and use a paring knife to scrape the seeds and pulp onto the butter.
5. To make sure not to lose any of the seeds, run your vanilla-coated knife through the butter.
6. Heat a large saute pan over high heat for 2 minutes.
7. Add the butter, vanilla, and vanilla pod to the pan.
8. When the butter foams, place the pear wedges in the pan, cut side down.
9. Season with the salt and cook 2 minutes.
10. Sprinkle the sugar over the pears, and shake the pan to distribute the sugar and help it caramelize in the butter.
11. Cook the pears about 6 minutes, basting them often with the butter, until theyre caramelized on the first side.
12. Carefully turn the pears over and cook another 3 to 4 minutes, continuing to baste, until the second side is golden and the pears are tender but not mushy.
13. Transfer them to a platter and keep them in a warm place.

bartlett, vanilla bean, unsalted butter, kosher salt, sugar

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/sauteed-pears-391057 (may not work)