10 oz. pkg. frozen strawberries
1 tbsp. butter
3/4 tsp. ground black pepper
4 firm pears

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter small casserole dish. Thaw and drain strawberries, reserving the syrup. Combine the syrup and 1 tablespoon butter in small saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened and reduced to about 1/4 cup. Add pepper. Peel, quarter and core pears. Put pears and strawberries in dish. Pour syrup over. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until tender, about 45 minutes. Remove foil and cook until bubbling, about 15 minutes. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.