Vanilla Pudding With Sautéed Pears - sugar

Method

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