Vanilla Pudding with Sauteed Pears

Serves: 4 / Hands-On Time: 20m / Total Time: 1hr 30m

Ingredients:

For The Pudding:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 4 eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; plus 2 more tablespoons (unmelted) for the pears
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For The Sauteed Pears:

• 2 pears
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Make the pudding. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/3 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in the whole milk and eggs until well blended. Over medium-high heat, heat the mixture to simmering, whisking constantly; cook for 1 minute.
2. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla and melted butter. Pour into a shallow metal bowl and place waxed paper directly on the surface. Refrigerate to chill, about 1 hour.
3. Prepare the pears. Core and thinly slice the pears. In a skillet, over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
4. Saute the pears in the butter for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar and cook, stirring, until the sugar turns golden. 3 minutes.
5. Spoon the pudding into cups and top with the warm pears; sprinkle with some ground cinnamon.