Caramelized Pears

by Martha Stewart

This is a simple, fast dessert that pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Anjou and Bartlett are the best choices for this dish — they're sweet and juicy and hold their shape when cooked.
Serves 6

Ingredients
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 medium pears, such as Anjou or Bartlett, quartered and cored
¼ cup packed light-brown sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Salt
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high. Add pears, one cut side down, and cook until browned, then reduce heat to medium and cook 3 minutes. Turn pears to other cut side and cook 4 minutes. Add brown sugar and 1 tablespoon water, swirling pan to combine. Turn pears skin side down and cook until sauce is thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla and pinch of salt (unless you used salted butter). Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.