2 tbsp. unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
2 tbsp. sugar
2 Boxc or Bartlett pears, unpeeled, halved, and cored
1/2 c. heavy cream

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a shallow baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar over the bottom.

Put pears, cut side down, in the dish. Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and dot with the butter.

Bake for 10 minutes. Pour cream over the pears and return to the oven for 20 minutes more. Serve warm, spooning cream over the pears. Serves 4.